Every good thing has a very important stick to make it repulsive. For garlic this potent bludgeon is its pungent odor. Take two cloves of raw garlic and you can even make an ox fall with your breath. Or give a hearty yawn afterwards and you can wither your window flowers. But blow away these pungent fumes and you will find that the revolting garlic is a treasure of medicinal wonders. Garlic is rich in anti- fungal, anti- bacterial, anti- viral, properties and a host of other nutrients. Used since ages as an effective home remedy to cure cold, infections, toothache and other ailments, it has now been found to have anti-cancer properties. It is widely used for culinary purposes, as when cooked the odor disappears bringing in a distinctive flavor. As medicine raw and crushed garlic is the most affective as cooking destroys the more beneficial compounds. Read the article below to know more on the health benefits of garlic.
Nutrition Benefits Of Eating Garlic
Throat infections
The antibacterial property of garlic makes it a potent weapon against throat irritations. During cough and cold garlic provides relief against throat irritations. It also reduces the chances of severe respiratory tract infections. Taking two to three garlic cloves a day will cure you of cold.
Diabetes
Garlic is very helpful in regulating diabetes as it helps in controlling the blood sugar levels. Garlic increases the insulin secretion which is very essential in minimizing the effects of diabetes. It is recommended that people suffering from diabetes should take a single clove of garlic everyday as a very effective remedy.
High Blood Pressure
Instead of taking prescription drugs to lower blood pressure, taking garlic regularly for a period of five months effectively reduces the blood pressure levels. It also significantly reduces the chances of blood clot formation which goes a long way in preventing stroke.
Antioxidant
Garlic is a rich source of antioxidants and so it is very effective in eliminating the harmful free radicals. Garlic contains the compound allicin which increases the secretion of antioxidant enzymes. Bit also revitalizes the liver by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation.
Cancer
It is one of the most potent cancer preventive food ingredients. Recent researches have found that garlic contains more than thirty anti cancer compounds like quercetin, diallyl sulphide, allin and ajoene that have the capability to block cancer causing agents. It has been found out that garlic is especially good for stomach, lung and liver cancer.
Warts
Garlic is the best medicine to rid yourself of warts as it can fight bacteria and infections. An effective remedy is to cut a fresh piece of garlic clove and rub it onto the wart for few seconds before going to bed. Do it regularly until the wart disappears.
High Cholesterol
Regular intake of garlic also reduces the blood cholesterol level and also significantly reduces the arterial plaque formation. It also increases the High Density Lipoproteins which are essential for the body. This makes garlic very essential in preventing various heart diseases and obesity.
Allergies
Garlic can effectively fight allergies because it has various antiviral properties. Take two cloves of garlic everyday for a period of three weeks. This will help to strengthen the body mechanism to fight against the allergies.
Toothaches
Crush a garlic clove and apply it onto the affected tooth and gum. It will provide instant relief as garlic has various antibacterial and analgesic properties that are very good in curing toothaches.