A clove of garlic a day keeps the doctor at bay

Garlic is often a very common addition to a number of dishes. Right from adding a zing to bread to being a major flavouring agent in biriyanis, those pungent, white blubs of flavour lend a very characteristic tang to whatever they are added to. But garlic most definitely has a large number of health benefits  as well.
 
With healing powers that were documented thousands of years ago by ancient Egyptian healers, garlic has been used as a natural remedy for building physical strength, to treat wounds, as a laxative, to lower blood pressure and increasing immunity.

Loaded with nearly 100 active chemical compounds including potent antioxidants,  sulphur compounds, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Known for its anti-clotting, decongestant, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive (lowering blood pressure), anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-oxidant and even cholesterol lowering properties the most important components of this spice is allcin.

According to research the cardio-protective properties of garlic are brought about by its ability to lower one’s cholesterol levels; especially bad cholesterol.  One of the most effective compounds in protecting the heart is ajoene, a by-product of allicin, which is known to reduce the risk of a heart attack by preventing the formation of blood clots. The study also found that eating half a clove of garlic a day may  lower blood cholesterol by 9 per cent, provided taken regularly. Research has also found that garlic also significantly lowers high blood pressure and inhibits platelet clumping by reducing inflammation. This is done by blocking the formation of prostaglandins (agents that induce inflammation).

Garlic can also help relieve respiratory disorders. According to studies, garlic sauted in oil releases certain sulfur compounds called vinyldiithins, which are extremely potent bronchodialators(open air passageways in lungs) – thereby relieving breathlessness.

It can also protect you from cancer. Packed with potent dietary nitrites form nitrosamines, Garlic can prevent the formation of harmful cancer causing agents – especially stomach cancer. Apart from that Allylsulfides (sulfur compounds) found in garlic increase the production of detoxification enzymes that help breakdown cancer causing compounds and toxins, and aid in their removal from the body.
Garlic also protect against liver, lung and breast cancer. According to research the compounds in garlic seem to limit the growth and progress of tumour cells; which can be thwarted by consuming six or more pearls of garlic in a week. The research studies especially highlighted the effectiveness of garlic in lowering the risk of colorectal cancer by at least 30 per cent and stomach cancers by 50 percent.

 THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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15 health benefits of garlic

 

Indian curries are incomplete without garlic – a simple ingredient with packed health benefits. It is very strong and bitter but adds an unbelievable flavour to the cuisine. Any description of garlic is incomplete without mentioning its medicinal values. This miracle herb Garlic has been used since time immemorial as a medicine to prevent or treat various diseases and conditions.

Garlic has a variety of potent sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic pungent odour. Allicin, the vital compound among them, is known to have great anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. The benefits of allicin can be best garnered when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for some time. Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium. Allicin, along with other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. found in them also have an effect on the circulatory, digestive and immunological systems of our body and help in lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.

Here are 15 health benefits of garlic:

Antibacterial and Antiviral

Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.

To treat skin infections

The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Blood thinning

The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body. Hence, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.

Reduce blood pressure

Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels contract thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure. The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood vessels and helps control blood pressure.

Protect heart

Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.

Reduce cholesterol

Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.

Combat allergies

Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies. The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.  Garlic has been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.

Remedy for respiratory problems

Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine.  Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.

Diabetes

Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Effective against warts and corns

Applying fat dissolving garlic extracts to corns on the feet and warts on the hands is thought to improve these conditions.

Cancer prevention

Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.

Improve iron metabolism

Ferroportin is a protein which helps in iron absorption and release. Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production of ferroportin and help improve iron metabolism.

Stir up passions

Garlic’s aphrodisiac property is due to its ability to increase the circulation.

Toothaches

Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum.

Reduce weight

Many researchers believe that obesity is a state of long-term low-grade inflammation. According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body. Pre-adipocytes are converted into fat cells (adipocytes) through inflammatory system activity. The anti-inflammatory property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin) found in garlic may help inhibit this conversion. This may help prevent weight gain.

ps- this is only for information, but always consult you physician before having any particular food/ medication.

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Turmeric

 The benefits for heart health arise from curcumin, an active principle which has anti-oxidant, anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory & anti-proliferative properties. Studies have documented effects of curcumin in decreasing blood cholesterol levels. Its anti—oxidant properties may also help prevent cardiovascular complications among diabetics.