5 Perks Of Adding Garlic To Your Diet

Garlic has traditionally been used to enhance the flavor of a wide array of dishes in almost every cuisine known to man. While its seasoning properties have garnered much acclaim, what is also worth mentioning are its innumerable health perks.

There is a reason why garlic has been a regular fixture in countless Ayurvedic and ancient medicinal remedies, or should we say many reasons.The key medicinal compound, also known as a “phytochemical,” in garlic is allicin, which boasts antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.

* Improves Heart Health

Garlic is an excellent superfood for heart health. It improves blood circulation, lowers harmful cholesterol, and prevents heart disease. Its cardioprotective properties help deter atherosclerosis or the hardening of the arteries, thereby helping you skirt the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that garlic compounds can suppress LDL (low-density lipoprotein) oxidation, which may be one of the mechanisms that account for the beneficial effects of garlic in cardiovascular health. To improve cardiovascular health and prevent heart disease, eat 1 or 2 crushed garlic cloves daily in the morning. One must bear in mind that garlic is at its potent best when consumed raw or semi-cooked, as cooking tends to strip allicin of its healing properties.

* Controls Hypertension

Studies have shown that garlic helps reduce high blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure. The sulfur-rich compound allicin present in garlic enhances hydrogen sulfide concentrations, which in turn helps to widen the blood vessels.Thus, garlic acts as a vasodilator, which prevents constriction of blood vessels, making blood flow more freely.A 2016 study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that garlic supplements are highly tolerated and a potential candidate in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive individuals, to stimulate the immune system and to regulate slightly elevated cholesterol concentration.

* Reduces Arthritis Pain

Garlic has been shown to reduce pain and other symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis. It also contains a compound called diallyl disulfide, which helps limit cartilage-damaging enzymes. To ease the pain in inflamed and aching joints due to arthritis, include garlic in your regular diet. Preferably, take it on an empty stomach.

* Boosts Immunity

Garlic is surprisingly a good source of vitamin C and B6 and the minerals selenium and manganese, all of which boost the immune system by reducing oxidative stress and preventing DNA damage due to free radicals.Garlic is considered a “mineral absorption enhancer,” which increases the bioavailability of minerals such as zinc and iron in plant foods.Plus, garlic has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that strengthen the body’s defense mechanism in fighting infections.

* Treats Cough and Cold

Garlic offers antibiotic and antiviral benefits that make it a wonderful treatment for a cough and colds.Garlic is also highly beneficial in treating various other respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It can reduce the severity of upper respiratory infections. It also aids in expectoration, making it irreplaceable for those with chronic bronchitis.It is the compound allicin in garlic that is responsible for its antiviral efficacy. A 2001 study published in Advances in Therapies reports that an allicin-containing supplement can protect you from the common cold virus or shorten the duration of a cold.