Everyone knows the old tale about vampires and garlic’s ability to repel them, yet its benefits go far beyond this! In reality, garlic is one of the most potent medicinal foods on Earth – its healing powers extend far beyond warding off vampires! When it comes to health benefits, garlic should be counted upon: anti-inflammatory properties exist as do sulfur-based antioxidants which strengthen your immune system as well as helping strengthen it further! Read on for more details on how you can incorporate more garlic into your diet for varied benefits!
What Is Garlic And What Are The Benefits Of Garlic?
Garlic belongs to the Allium vegetable family and has long been used both culinary and medically for its many health benefits. A garlic bulb consists of several cloves which grow together into an aggregate cluster. Garlic hails from Asia and was introduced into North America through European immigrants. Although there are many varieties of garlic available today, the three most prevalent are: Red Garlic – known by its Chinese name of red Rocambole has milder flavors than other varieties and can even serve as a replacement for regular garlic bulbs!
1) Garlic For Heart Health And Blood Pressure
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death among both men and women in North America, accounting for an estimated one out of every four deaths in this country. There are various steps you can take to lower your risk for this illness; one of them being to incorporate garlic into your diet regularly as this super food boasts antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral properties that have been proven to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, and bad cholesterol levels – one sure way of decreasing risk for heart disease!
2) Help Combat Harmful Free Radicals
Garlic contains antioxidants which are effective at neutralizing free radicals – molecules which cause cell and tissue damage. As we age, our bodies become less efficient at filtering out these free radicals from our systems – this can lead to decreased immune function and an increase in signs of aging such as reduced skin elasticity, wrinkles, and age spots. Reducing free radical levels may help reverse signs of aging such as reduced skin elasticity, wrinkles and age spots.
3) Garlic For Skin Care
Garlic’s antioxidant properties make it an excellent addition to any skin care routine, helping keep your complexion healthy and youthful looking. Incorporating fresh garlic into your diet is the easiest way to take advantage of garlic’s skin-protective benefits.
4) Garlic Rich In Anti-inflammatory Properties
Garlic boasts excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is your body’s natural defense mechanism against infection, injury and other harmful stimuli; however in certain situations chronic inflammation can become problematic and lead to serious health issues. Garlic has been found effective at decreasing inflammation levels – this makes it particularly helpful if you suffer from chronic pain conditions that cause inflammation.
5) Garlic For Heart Health
Heart disease is one of the leading health concerns, yet garlic remains one of the best remedies. Packed with flavonoids proven to reduce cholesterol, garlic can lower LDL (the bad stuff) while simultaneously raising HDL (the good stuff). Furthermore, garlic contains rutin, which serves as an antioxidant and decreases risk for blood clots and strokes.
6) Garlic For Immunity
Sickness can be both debilitating and unpleasant. But garlic may help make you less susceptible to infection by providing antioxidant protection from free radical damage in the form of antioxidant vitamins like Vitamin B6 that helps regulate your immune system while simultaneously fighting infection by viruses; in addition, garlic contains Vitamin C as another primary antiviral defense to ward off viral attacks.
7) Garlic For Cough And Cold
If you or a loved one is suffering from a cough or cold, garlic can help ease their suffering. Eating raw garlic may be the most effective way of using garlic as an antibiotic treatment; using a garlic press to extract its juice for skin application as natural antibiotic ointment might also work well. Garlic also serves as an effective natural remedy against congestion: simply combine some cooked garlic with some salt-soaked chicken stock as this will break down mucus build-up in your chest while simultaneously decreasing inflammation – providing relief and alleviating pain relief from inflammation caused by illness!
Conclusion
Garlic is an incredible plant with numerous health benefits. When eating garlic, the optimal way is either eating it raw or cooking for only short amounts of time to preserve its beneficial properties and maximize health benefits. Most importantly, when using garlic as a medicine for coughs or colds, cooking it to remove bacteria is the best approach. Otherwise, adding it into your diet by either eating raw, cooking it or even juicing is also possible. For best results when juicing garlic, choose a juicer capable of handling its spicy bite! Additionally, take note that excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort such as heartburn and bad breath if consumed in large quantities.
