Garlic
Health Benefits
For centuries garlic is considered a remedy for a number of
ailments. Garlic has been a part of many food recipes as well as medicines
across different geographies around the world for thousands of years. We will
evaluate health benefits of garlic, its medicinal uses and ways it can be
consumed without any negative side effects.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic as
an antibacterial: Garlic has antibacterial activity. Garlic helps in warding off
bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Cryptococcal meningitis, Staphylococcus
etc. Recent studies have found that a mouthwash containing 2.5% garlic exhibits
good anti-microbial activity. The positive antibacterial benefits of garlic
sustain over time unlike many modern bio-pharma antibiotics as disease causing
bacteria in the body do not appear to evolve resistance to garlic.
Garlic is
also known to possess anti-viral, and anti-fungal activity.Garlic cloves can be
used as a remedy for infections such as chest problems, digestive disorders,
and oral fungal infections. Garlic can also be used as a disinfectant because
of its bacterio-static and bacterio-cidal properties. Juice of garlic with some
honey is good for running nose, cold, asthma, cough and sneezing, sore throat
and bronchitis.
Garlic for Cancer; Garlic use is known to reduce the risk of
developing certain types of cancers, especially the gastro-intestinal tract
cancers including stomach and colon cancers.
Garlic for Heart diseases: Garlic is
believed to help prevent cardiovascular diseases. Garlic is known to lower, at
moderate level our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol. Garlic acts by
reducing cholesterol synthesis by inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA. It
helps in inhibiting LDL oxidation, platelet aggregation, and arterial plaque
formation. The sulfur compounds present in garlic acts as anti-oxidants and
helps in protecting blood vessel lining and blood cells from inflammatory and
oxidative stress. This in turn reduces unwanted plaque formation and clogging.
Garlic
for Diabetes: Garlic is known to regulate blood sugar levels. It helps in lowering
blood pressure, and increases microcirculation, which is important in condition
of diabetes.Garlic for Central Nervous System. It is believed that memory and
learning power can be improved by garlic consumption. It helps by arresting
cognitive decline by protecting neurons from neuro-toxicity and apoptosis.
Garlic
for Other Diseases: Garlic has been found to help in absorption of thiamin, and
therefore lessens the risk of developing beriberi due to thiamin deficiency.
Garlic
health risks: Excessive consumption of garlic can be harmful. It has been
observed that consumption of garlic in large amount may give rise to conditions
such as allergic reactions, foul body and breathe odor and stomach disorders.
Garlic
and bad odor: Studies have shown sipping milk at the same time as consuming
garlic can significantly neutralize bad breath. Mushrooms, water and basil may
also reduce the odor. Fat and water mix, found in milk works best in lowering
the bad odor.
It is advisable to consult a nutritionist/doctor for more
information on garlic consumption and which form and what quantity of garlic
should be included in your diet.
