Garlic is not just a delicious way of adding a depth of flavor to your meals – it is also laden with plenty of health benefits. In this article, we run through some of the most important health benefits associated with the most useful of plants – garlic. Garlic is, as you may know, a member of the allium family, but that’s just the start.
Highly Nutritious
Garlic is an immensely nutritious food. Garlic, whether cooked or not, contains manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, and fiber. All of these nutritional compounds and chemicals are present despite the fact that garlic has very few calories indeed. This might explain why garlic has been seen as a way of quickly gaining strength throughout history. In ancient Rome, soldiers were encouraged to eat raw garlic for strength. The plant was dedicated to Mars – the God of war.
Reduces Blood Pressure
Garlic contains a helpful compound called allicin, which has been found to have numerous health benefits, including its ability to help lower blood pressure. Allicin is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to relax those blood vessels and improve your blood flow, which can help to reduce blood pressure. Additionally, garlic has been shown to improve the production and formation of nitric oxide, a molecule that helps to widen blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. Several studies have shown that consuming garlic supplements or incorporating fresh garlic into the diet can lead to a substantial reduction in blood pressure in those people with hypertension.
Improves Cholesterol Levels
Garlic has been shown to dissipate LDL cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, and any food that lowers it can be helpful. People with high cholesterol levels should eat plenty of garlic alongside taking any medicines their doctor has prescribed them. It is important to note that garlic on its own is not a cure for high cholesterol and that you should always consult your doctor if you are worried about your health.
Contains Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that help protect cells in the body from the damage caused by free radicals, which are harmful molecules produced during normal metabolic processes and exposure to toxins. Free radicals can damage cells, DNA, and other important molecules, leading to inflammation, aging, and disease. Antioxidants work by simply neutralizing free radicals and stopping them from causing harm to cells. Garlic is a potent source of antioxidants. Consuming bulk garlic can help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
May Improve Bone Health
Studies have shown that garlic intake decreases bone degradation in rodents. This decrease in degradation is linked to increased levels of estrogen being produced. This discovery may hold some keys to understanding the way in which garlic promotes healthy bones. It should be noted that no human studies have been conducted to categorically prove the impact of garlic on bone degradation. Bone weakness caused by hormonal imbalance is one of the major symptoms of menopause in Women. Eating garlic regularly might make this symptom less prevalent.