Garlic health benefits

Garlic is one of the earliest documented plants used by people for health and some medical reasons. Ancient textbooks recovered from Egypt, Greece, Rome, China and India are explaining garlic health benefits and recommending garlic use for medical purposes (for pulmonary, respiratory and some cardiovascular diseases). Famous ancient doctors such as Hippocrates, Pliny and Aristotle mentioned therapeutic use of garlic for various ailments.

Modern science is actually confirming several beliefs of ancient cultures regarding garlic, testing mechanisms of action and exploring garlic health benefits and its potential for some disease prevention and treatment.

Garlic health benefits are based on its useful properties – garlic is an excellent source of Vitamin B, selenium, Vitamin C, manganese as well as calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and copper. Garlic has a unique combination of sulfur containing nutrients and flavonoids which is quite important for health. The main medical property in garlic is so called “allicin” which has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antioxidant functions.

It is essential to use raw pressed or chopped garlic (1-2 cloves per day) preferably on an empty stomach. Cooked garlic loses a significant amount of its medicinal qualities.

Garlic and cardio-vascular system
Some health experts consider garlic as an excellent super-food for heart health – it improves blood circulation, lower cholesterol and prevents heart disease. According to research, raw garlic can decrease the level of LDL (so called “bad cholesterol”) and increase level of HDL (so called “good cholesterol”) by decreasing the activity of the main enzyme that produces cholesterol in the liver. In addition, garlic can increase the ability of the body to dissolve blood clots – it helps slow the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries which increases the risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Some studies have shown that garlic can also reduce the increased high blood pressure (especially systolic blood pressure) by acting as vasodilator and widening blood vessels (making blood flow smoother).

Garlic and cancer
Several scientific studies discovered strong evidences concerning garlic’s anti-cancer properties – especially in prevention of stomach, colon and prostate cancers. The presence of allyl sulfur compounds in garlic can slow down the progress of cancerous cell growth.
Some studies suggest that garlic can be effective in the prevention of multiple types of cancer (bladder cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and stomach cancer) – all have been shown their tumors reduced when treated with garlic. Vitamin B6 is said to have cancer fighting abilities (most probably through strengthening of the immune system).
Several nutritionists believe that garlic helps to prevent cancer (especially of the digestive system and lungs) and to prevent certain tumors from growing larger.
Regular intake of garlic is recommended to people with family history of cancer – it will reduce their risk of many types of cancer.

Garlic and infections

Garlic contains “allicin” (natural antibiotic) which is well known effective anti-infection property – its effectiveness was demonstrated against common infections (flu, colds), against yeast infection and stomach viruses, against powerful pathogenic microbes, such as botulism and tuberculosis.
Louis Pasteur, the famous French microbiologist, after making laboratory tests, was the first to describe the antibacterial effect of garlic. Studies clearly demonstrated that the quantity of allicin produced in a single clove of garlic is effective enough to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.
Garlic has also powerful antifungal properties – fighting candida and yeast infection.

Garlic and immune system
Garlic strengthens the immune system. As it was already mentioned above, garlic is a good source of vitamins (C, B6) and minerals (selenium, manganese) – all together they boost immune system. In addition, garlic has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that strengthen the body’s defense mechanism and fight infections.

Garlic and allergy
Garlic’s antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties can fight different types of allergies. It also has been shown to reduce airway inflammation due to allergic rhinitis.
Garlic is recommended to people with seasonal allergies – to be used just before the season starts. Minced garlic can be also applied on the skin – it could be a good option for rapid relief from itching due to rashes, bug bites or any other kind of allergy.

Garlic and digestion

Garlic can support stomach digestion by stimulating the mucous membranes of the stomach to produce gastric juices that aid digestion. Garlic also triggers the liver to release toxins from the body, while at the same time protects the liver from harm.

Garlic and pregnancy

Garlic has been found to assist babies to gain weight during pregnancy. Garlic can prevent also such a pregnancy complication as pre-eclampsia.

Garlic and arthritis

Nutritionists recommend garlic for treating rheumatoid arthritis – it can reduce the pain and some other symptoms. The effectiveness of garlic during arthritis explained by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which reduce inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis. In addition, garlic contains so called “diallyl disulfide” which helps limit cartilage-damaging enzymes.

Garlic and respiratory infections

Garlic offers antibiotic and antiviral benefits that make antibacterial properties make garlic a wonderful treatment for cough and cold. It may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory infections. Some people recommend garlic for treating asthma and bronchitis.

Garlic and toothache

Thanks to its antibacterial and analgesic properties, garlic can be effective in reducing toothache. Natural medicine recommends putting crushed garlic clove directly onto the affected tooth and surrounding gum for instant relief.

Garlic and acne

Allicin found in garlic can prevent the effects of free radicals in the body and kill bacteria inside of acne. Actually garlic is good for treating acne and getting rid of blemishes. Garlic can be useful also in cases of skin scars or allergies. In these cases garlic can be used topically.

Garlic and hair

If you are suffering from hair loss or alopecia, it could be useful to apply garlic which can stimulate growth and fortification. As garlic is high in sulfur it means it is high also in keratin (the key structural component of hair).

Garlic and bone health

Garlic is rich of several properties (zinc, vitamin B6, vitamin C and manganese) which can help to facilitate the formation of connective tissues and bones, to support calcium absorption and bone metabolism. It was noted that garlic can also reduce loss of bone by increasing estrogen in women.