By Tahira
What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of garlic? A strong pungent smell? Or an ingredient rather a condiment that enhances the taste of cooked food?
Well, whatever it may be, but this small pod has several health benefits. A member of the onion family, garlic has a 7000 years of use in human history that originated in Central Asia. Garlic has several health benefits. Read on to know more.
Antiviral and Antibacterial Benefits
Antiviral and antibacterial aspects are the most important benefits of garlic. Consumption of garlic help in reducing bacterial and fungal infections. Fresh garlic helps preventing food poisoning as well.
Fighting Certain Skin Infections
Though not much prevalent, but certain chemicals found in garlic such as ajoene are known to fight skin infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
Help Reduce Blood Pressure
Storehouse of powerful chemicals and proteins, garlic helps in reducing blood pressure. Protein named Angiotensin II, contracts blood vessels, thereby increasing blood pressure. Alicin, a chemical present in garlic, blocks the harmful activities of angiogenesis and helps in reducing blood pressure.
Fight Cardiovascular Diseases
Garlic is known to fight cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks as well. Garlic is an enemy of cholesterol and it thus help in reducing the aortic plaque deposits that gather around the veins of the body. Studies have found that garlic can actually work wonders for battling heart diseases.
Source of Vitamin B6
A strong source of Vitamin B6, garlic helps in boosting immunity system of our bodies with the growth of new cells. It also wards off cold and cough.
Fights Scurvy and Hyperthyroid Conditions
Presence of Vitamin C in garlic helps fighting scurvy and high levels of iodine is an effective killer of problems related to hyperthyroidism.
Prevention of Cancer
Regular intake of garlic is known to reduce risks of developing certain types of cancer. Chemicals like allyl sulphides found in garlic are known to reduce risk of cancer developments.
An Aphrodisiac
Enough of medicinal properties! Garlic also has the power to boost your pleasure principles and many cultures are known to treat impotency with the help of garlic. So think twice you before you visit your doctor the potential prescription of Viagra!
On a last note, always remember that anything in excess is not good. So do consume garlic for your well being after being fully aware of its benefits as well as disadvantages.
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- Garlic Health Benefits (loseweightb215.wordpress.com)
- Study: Eating Raw Garlic May Reduce the Risk of Cancer (enumclaw.com)
