Garlic has been part of the kitchens for centuries. This herb has curative and medicinal properties because of its antibacterial and antiseptic nature. The beneficial properties of garlic are because of a compound, Allicin. It is rich in minerals like phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Vitamins C, K, Folate, niacin and thiamine also are found abundantly in garlic.
The Health Benefits of Eating Garlic (Lahsun) are:
1. Wards Off Cough and Cold
Raw garlic has the potential to ward off cough and cold infections. Eating two crushed garlic cloves on an empty stomach has the maximum benefit. For kids and babies, hanging garlic cloves in a thread around their necks is supposed to relieve congestion symptoms.
>2. Garlic Helps Reduce High Blood Pressure
Strokes and heart attacks are two of the most significant health concerns worldwide. High blood pressure is a considerable risk factor for heart disease. It’s thought to cause about 70% of strokes, heart attacks, and chronic heart failure. High blood pressure is the cause of 13.5 percent of deaths worldwide.
Because they are among the most significant causes of death, addressing one of their primary causes, high blood pressure, is extremely important.
Garlic is a fantastic spice to include in your diet for those suffering from high blood pressure or hypertension. However, even if you are not a lover of garlic, try minced garlic which has a milder flavor. It will still give you the health benefits of garlic, such as lowering high blood pressure, treating fever, and many more.
Keep in mind that you must make sure that the amount of pre-prepared garlic you consume is the same as four cloves of garlic each day. Be sure to talk to your doctor before changing your diet.
3. Garlic Helps Reduce Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a fatty and critical component in the blood. There are two kinds of cholesterol: “bad” LDL cholesterol and “good” HDL cholesterol. An imbalance, with too much LDL cholesterol and not enough HDL cholesterol, can lead to some serious health issues.
Garlic has been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL levels by 10 to 15 percent.
Furthermore, eating garlic does not influence your HDL or good cholesterol levels. If you have a family history of heart disease or are dealing with heart-related issues, incorporating garlic into your diet can be a natural and flavorful step towards a healthier heart.
4. Garlic Can Help With Prevention of Cancer
The health benefits of garlic don’t end with the heart. Here is another reason why your body can benefit from an extra dose of this onion family member.
The health benefits of garlic, particularly in the realm of cancer prevention, have become more of a subject of interest. According to research, consuming fresh garlic can help lessen the risk of colon cancer. Similarly, according to the Iowa Women’s Health Study, women who ate garlic regularly with other vegetables and fruits had a 35% lower chance of getting colon cancer.
However, researchers agree that more studies are still needed in this area to fully comprehend the extent of the health benefits of garlic in preventing cancer.
5. Garlic Has Antibiotic Properties
Garlic contains allicin, a bioactive antibiotic that can help fight infections and bacteria when cloves are sliced, squashed, or diced. These health benefits of garlic extend to suppressing the growth of potentially harmful substances, like:
fungi elements
Protozoa elements
viral infections
numerous bacteria like Salmonella
Allicin is considered a potent natural antibiotic, and its effectiveness is noteworthy. When it’s used in conjunction with conventionally prescribed antibiotics, garlic can provide added support in battling infections.