Health Benefits of Garlic - Nutritional Value of Garlic, Nutrition Benefits of Eating Garlic

One of the most commonly used spices, garlic is known for its immense health benefits. It is known for its pungent smell and distinct flavor. Garlic is a species of the onion family. The commonly used part of the plant is the bulb which is divided into many sections called cloves. The cloves are used for raw consumptions or used in cooking various dishes. The roots attached to the bulb and the thin skin of the cloves is not considered to be edible. Garlic has a sulphur bearing compound known by the name of Allicin, which gives the medicinal qualities to this wonder herb.

Nutritional Value of Garlic

Minerals / Vitamins	Amount (per 100gm)
Copper	0.630 mg
Iron	1.200 mg
Manganese	0.860 mg
Phosphorous	310 mg
Calcium	30 mg
Zinc	1.930 mg
Carbohydrates	20.8 gm
Protein	6.3 gm
Thiamine	0.060 mg
Riboflavin	0.230 mg
Vitamin C	13.0 mg

Health and Nutrition Benefits of Eating Garlic

Garlic is known best for keeping cold at bay. Eating a clove of garlic when you feel like you may have an onset of cold, improves your immune system and strengthens up the natural defense system of the body.
Garlic is also credited with anti-oxidants that help fight cancer and cancerous tumors. Medical science has proof that garlic contains compounds like diallye disulphide and s-allycystein, which have anti-tumor properties and help in slowing down the growth of tumors and also reduce their size.
Garlic has compounds that help prevent any kind heart disease. It helps in lowering the cholesterol level in blood, which in turn makes sure there is nothing to block the arteries. It helps keep the aorta of the heart flexible and enables it to pump the blood effectively.
Garlic also helps in the control of blood pressure or hypertension. A chemical known as Ajoene is found in garlic which helps in thinning the blood, thus reducing clots from forming and reducing hypertension. Garlic was used in ancient China to treat people suffering from angina attacks and poor circulation.
Garlic is effective against fighting off a host of infections. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties and has been used since a long time to treat wounds, typhus, cholera, intestinal parasites, recurrent yeast infections and candida albicans.
Garlic can also be used as an effective aphrodisiac and may be used to treat impotence. Garlic produces an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase, which is required to get an erection. Garlic stimulates the production of this enzyme in people who have lower levels of it.

How to Cite

Benefits Of Garlic

Related Articles

See also

More in 'Health & Fitness'