The Goodness Of Garlic

Ever wondered what your food can do to you? Greek physician Hippocrates, considered as the Father of Western Medicine, said, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” 

The statement applies to a lot of food items that can be taken in small quantities during meals. One such item is Garlic! 

In case you are wondering about the goodness of garlic, there are many proven health benefits like protection against common cold, and it's great ability to help lower the blood pressure and cholesterol. Modern science has also accepted the various health benefits that garlic brings. Some of these are-

Medicinal Properties

With garlic being grown in many parts of the world, it is an important ingredient in cooking in many national and global cuisines. However, apart from its taste, garlic has been known throughout history for its medicinal properties. Now, modern science has proved that these healing properties of garlic come from sulfur, formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed, or chewed.    

Highly Nutritious with Low calories. A single clove of raw garlic may contain- 

• Manganese- 2% of the daily value (DV)
• Vitamin B6- 2% of the daily value (DV)
• Vitamin C- 1% of the daily value (DV)
• It also has Selenium, Fibres and trace amounts of various nutrients. Overall it has 4.5 calories, 0.2 gram of protein and 1 gram carbohydrates.
• Protection against illness especially common cold

Has a doctor ever suggested you garlic supplements? Well that is because these supplements are also good immune boosters. Aged garlic extracts also reduce the number of sick days with cold or flu, and the average length of the cold symptoms also get reduced. 

Garlic helps in reducing blood pressure, improves cholesterol

Hearing of the demise of young people because of heart attacks and strokes? Recently, cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke are responsible for many more deaths than any other health condition. One of the primary factors for heart diseases is high blood pressure or hypertension. Garlic has been found to lower blood pressure in a similar manner as the drug Atenolol. 

Garlic also helps in lowering total, but primarily LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Garlic’s Antioxidants help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia

Aging is caused by oxidative damages from free radicals. Antioxidants present in garlic support the protective mechanisms working in the body thereby preventing oxidative damages. A combined effect of garlic’s compounds of reducing blood pressure and controlling cholesterol combined with its antioxidants can help protect against cell damage and aging and reduce the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Garlic supplements might improve athletic performance

Garlic has been used traditionally to reduce fatigue and improve work capacity of laborers. It was also given to Olympic athletes in ancient Greece. So, it was one of the earliest ‘performance enhancing’ substances. But with studies, it has been found to work better on exercise fatigue, and not on athletic performance.

May act as a good detoxifying agent for heavy metals in body

With consistent dosage, garlic’s sulfur compounds protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity. For people working in factories like the battery manufacturing units garlic has been proven to decrease the level of heavy metals (lead) in their blood. It also reduces metal toxicity signs like headaches and blood pressure.

Garlic can also help in improving bone health

It is also believed that garlic can minimize bone loss. It is very good for menopausal women as it increases estrogen in females. Regular intake of garlic reduced estrogen deficiency and had beneficial effects on bone health in women. Garlic has a lot of health benefits and is very easy to add to the regular diet. Along with adding flavours, its significant health benefits cannot be ignored. However, excess of anything can turn out evil. Garlic also has its side effects like bad breath. Some people are also allergic to garlic and cannot use it. It is also not recommended to eat garlic in case of a bleeding disorder. 

It is always advisable to consult one’s doctor and get proper advice before making any changes in their diet. And overall health? Well, Zyephr has you covered! To keep a track of all your health records, manage health data and help your doctor check all of your health performance together- download zyephr and get the personalised experience today!