7 health benefits of garlic
Why Garlic?
Garlic is the most essential ingredient of kitchen. But did you ever think that this inclusion of garlic to cuisine does not only add taste to dishes and it has has got medicinal properties too. Yes, in fact garlic is often described as a potion with miracle properties as garlic is believed to possess some wonderful medicinal properties.
Due to its strong smell, it’s a popular ingredient in cooking. It adds a distinct flavour to the food and is an important part of Indian cuisine. It is not only used as a flavouring agent but also eaten as a vegetable. Many savoury dishes like soups and sauces are complemented by it. The strong taste of garlic adds a punch to the otherwise bland recipe. It is used to flavour many foods, such as salad dressings, meats, soups, and stews.
It not only increases the taste of food but also helps in keeping the body healthy. Garlic is recognized as blood purifiers. This is the reason why garlic is used in many household prescriptions.
Garlic in Ayurveda
Garlic is considered as a super food in Ayurveda due to its many proven health benefits. It is rich in sulphur compounds which is why it has numerous health benefits. Due to the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties of garlic, it is known to reduce inflammation and lower high blood pressure. It is even recommended for those who are desperately trying to lose weight.
Benefits of eating Garlic
Different types of nutrients are found in garlic, which are beneficial for the body. These include calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1 etc. Garlic intake on an empty stomach is very beneficial. Here we have brought 7 health benefits of eating garlic.
Health benefits of garlic
- Strong immunity
Garlic is considered effective in strengthening immunity. Also, it has been found that people who consume garlic every day have less cold than others. In the morning, its intake on an empty stomach is more beneficial.
- Medicinal value of Garlic
Allicin is the most potent compound of Garlic. Garlic benefit mostly comes from its sulphur compounds. These sulphur compounds exert its potent biological effects once consumed.
- Garlic for common cold and other sickness
Garlic boosts our immune system. It’s very effective if you are suffering from cold or flu.
- Garlic reduces blood pressure
Garlic can significantly reduce blood pressure. Hypertension i.e. high blood pressure is something which can affect almost anyone in the present changed lifestyle situation.
- Garlic may lower the risk of heart disease
Garlic may impact the cholesterol level in our body which in turn can lead to reducing heart diseases. Increased cholesterol can block the arteries, which as a result obstructs blood flow to the heart. Due to this, increasing cholesterol may increase the risk of heart diseases. As garlic does not cause blood accumulation, so it reduces the risk of heart attack.
- Garlic and Oxidative stress
Garlic antioxidants protect us against oxidative damage. Oxidative damage from free radicals is the reason for aging. Garlic supplements increase antioxidant enzymes in our body. Also, it reduces oxidative stress in people with high blood pressure. (Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in our body. This can result in cell and tissue damage.). Because of these, Garlic has potentiality to reduce the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
- Garlic in stomach problems
Eating garlic on an empty stomach may relieve constipation and gas. Those suffering from acidity problems should go for roasted garlic.
(The content of this article is for informational purpose only. It cannot be a substitute for advice from a medical practitioner. Read DISCLAIMER for more…)
Read also: Mushroom and its benefits
