15 health benefits of garlic
Dr Anitha Anchan April 23, 2013
Indian
curries are incomplete without garlic – a simple ingredient with packed health
benefits. It is very strong and bitter but adds an unbelievable flavour to the
cuisine. Any description of garlic is incomplete without mentioning its
medicinal values. This miracle herb Garlic has been used since time immemorial
as a medicine to prevent or treat various diseases and conditions.
Garlic has a variety of potent
sulphur-containing compounds which are the reason for its characteristic
pungent odour. Allicin,
the vital compound among them, is known to have great anti-bacterial,
anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. The benefits of allicin
can be best garnered when it’s finely chopped, minced or pureed and let sit for
some time. Garlic is also a reliable source of selenium. Allicin, along with
other compounds like ajoene, alliin, etc. found in them also have an effect on
the circulatory, digestive and immunological systems of our body and help in
lowering blood pressure, detoxification, healing, etc.
Here are 15 health benefits of
garlic:
Antibacterial and Antiviral
Garlic is most well-known for its
antibacterial and antiviral properties. They help control bacterial, viral,
fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to play a role in
preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria
like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.
To treat skin infections
The chemical ajoene found in garlic
may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.
Blood thinning
The anti-clotting properties of
ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots
in the body. Hence, it may also increase the risk of bleeding after surgery.
Reduce blood pressure
Angiotensin II is a protein that
helps our blood vessels contract thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin
in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood
pressure. The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called
hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood
vessels and helps control
blood pressure.
Protect heart
Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular
problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective
property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to
lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect
the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The
sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from
becoming blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries). The anti-clotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from
forming inside the blood vessels.
Reduce cholesterol
Garlic has the ability to moderately
lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque
formation.
Combat allergies
Garlic is known to have
anti-inflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies. The
anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone.
Garlic has been show to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic
rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the
itching due to rashes and bug bites.
Remedy for respiratory problems
Daily use of garlic might reduce the
frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating
throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract
infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of
breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine. Its ability to promote
expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.
Diabetes
Garlic increases insulin release and
regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Effective against warts and corns
Applying fat dissolving garlic
extracts to corns on the feet and warts on the hands is thought to improve
these conditions.
Cancer prevention
Daily intake of garlic has been
found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due
to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA),
has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women.
According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the
transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.
Improve iron metabolism
Ferroportin is a protein which helps
in iron absorption and release. Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production
of ferroportin and help improve iron metabolism.
Stir up passions
Garlic’s aphrodisiac property is due
to its ability to increase the circulation.
Toothaches
Simply put some crushed garlic clove
directly on the affected tooth can help relieve toothaches due to its
antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating
to the gum.
Reduce weight
Many researchers believe that
obesity is a state of long-term low-grade inflammation. According to recent
research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body.
Pre-adipocytes are converted into fat cells (adipocytes) through inflammatory
system activity. The anti-inflammatory property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin)
found in garlic may help inhibit this conversion. This may help prevent weight
gain.
