Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world, having been grown for over 5000 years. Garlic has been highly regarded for both its taste and medicinal properties throughout time. Today, much evidence confirms the multitude of health benefits associated with garlic.
What gives garlic some of its powerful health benefits are sulfur-containing compounds including thiosulfinates (including allicin), sulfoxides (including alliin), and dithiins (including ajoene). Garlic is also an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C and a good source of selenium, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, and copper.
Garlic: Cardiovascular Benefits
There are many benefit of garlic on blood pressure, platelet aggregation, triglyceride levels, and cholesterol levels. Garlic may help relax blood vessel walls, allowing for improved blood flow. Many of its health benefits can be attributed to its anti-oxidant ability. After garlic consumption, significant reduction in free radicals can be seen. Therefore, garlic may have beneficial effects on conditions such as atherosclerosis.
Garlic’s numerous beneficial cardiovascular effects are due to not only its sulfur compounds, but also to its vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium and manganese. Allicin may help lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation throughout the body.
Garlic is a very good source of vitamin C, antioxidant protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, thereby protecting against cardiovascular disease. Garlic’s vitamin B6 helps prevent heart disease via lowering homocysteine levels, which can directly damage blood vessel walls. Selenium also works with vitamin E in a number of vital antioxidant systems.
Garlic: Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral Properties
Traditionally, garlic has been used to reduce inflammation. Fresh garlic contains many anti-inflammatory compounds and anti-oxidants. Therefore, garlic may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with many chronic conditions, including asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Garlic also contains allicin, a powerful anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Allicin has been used to protect against colds, flu, stomach viruses, and Candida yeast. Allicin may also help protect against tuberculosis and botulism.
Garlic: Cancer Fighting Properties
Garlic contains many cancer-fighting compounds. Allicin, for example, may help protect the colon against toxic chemicals. Also, allicin may help stop the growth of cancer cells. Garlic also contains vitamin C and selenium, which may help reduce the risk of colon cancer. New research suggests that garlic has many compounds that help slow tumour growth and also reduce their size.
Traditional Uses of Garlic
Garlic has been used in ancient medicine to treat poor circulation. Due to its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, garlic has been used to treat wounds, cholera, intestinal parasites, and yeast infections. Garlic is also considered an aphrodisiac.
I love garlic, it’s probably one of my favourite ingredients. Can’t go wrong with garlic, it’s said to help with cancer prevention and it’ll keep Dracula away from me too!
Think I’d taste a bit tough to him though.