Garlic is a popular vegetable used in cooking around the world. Used in boiled or baked dishes, it gives dishes a specific, fragrant flavour. Garlic is a plant that has been used in medicine for centuries. Numerous historical records indicate garlic was already used in Roman, Greek, Egyptian, and ancient Chinese cultures and was also used for medicinal purposes. Regular use of garlic in your diet can bring you many health benefits.
Nutrition
Garlic contains compounds with strong medicinal properties. It is a good source of nutrients such as:
- Dietary fibre
- Vitamins B1, B2, B4, B6, B9, C, and E
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Selenium
- Sodium
- Phosphorus
- Sulphur
- Manganese
Health Benefits of Garlic
Research has shown that garlic has many health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure, as well as preventing or alleviating cold symptoms. It is known that most of the health benefits come from the formation of sulphur compounds when raw garlic is chopped or crushed. It has also been used throughout history as a remedy for asthma, scorpion stings, and in the Middle Ages, it was believed to be a cure for the plague. Since the Middle Ages, garlic has been used to treat wounds because, when applied directly to the wounds, it would stop the spread of infection. In 1958, Louis Pasteur wrote that bacteria died after being treated with garlic.
Some of the Health Benefits of Garlic Include:
- Prevents blood clots
- Lowers cholesterol levels
- Prevents cancer
- Dilates blood vessels
- Lowers blood pressure
- Normalises heart rate
- Maintains the elasticity of blood vessels and reduces blood viscosity
- Improves digestion and improves liver, kidneys and prostate function;
- Helps cleanse the body of parasites
Has antibacterial properties
- Helps with lung diseases, flu and bronchitis
- Has antiviral properties
There are numerous benefits of consuming garlic. If you have been avoiding it until now because of its strong smell, now is the time to include it in your diet. You can include it in your favourite spread or salad. If you are still not ready to sacrifice for your health, garlic is also available in capsule form.
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➥ DISCLAIMER: This post is not intended to replace medical treatment. The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.