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Strong flavoured,
garlic cloves contain many noteworthy minerals, vitamins, anti-oxidants, and
phyto-nutrients that have proven health benefits.
Its bulbs contain
organic thio-sulfinites such as diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide and allyl
propyl disulfide that can form allicin by enzymatic reaction, which is
activated by disruption of bulb (like crushing, cutting etc).
Laboratory
studies show that allicin reduces cholesterol production by inhibiting HMG-CoA
reductase enzyme in the liver cells.
Allicin also
decreases blood vessel stiffness by release of nitric oxide (NO); thereby bring
reduction in the total blood pressure. It also blocks platelet clot formation
and has fibrinolytic action in the blood vessels, which helps decrease the
overall risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), peripheral vascular diseases
(PVD) and stroke.
Research studies
also found that consumption of garlic is associated with possible decrease in
the incidence of stomach cancer.
Allicin and other
essential volatile compounds in the garlic also found to have anti-bacterial,
anti-viral, and anti-fungal activities.
Garlic is an
excellent source of minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum
health. The bulbs are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium,
magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium. Selenium is a heart-healthy mineral,
and is an important cofactor for anti-oxidant enzymes in the body. Manganese is
used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
Iron is required for red blood cell formation.
It contains many
flavonoid anti-oxidants like carotene beta, zeaxanthin, and vitamins like
vitamin-C. Vitamin C helps body develop resistance against infectious agents
and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.
Garlic cloves
have amazingly high levels of vitamins and minerals. Just 100 g provides (in %
of recommended daily allowance)
95% of
vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine),
52% of
vitamin C,
33% of
copper,
21% of
iron,
18% of
calcium,
26%
Selenium, and
73% of
manganese
But no
cholesterol.
Diabetes: Diabetes can harm the kidneys, inhibit nervous system functions,
cause heart disorders, and even lead to poor eyesight. The oil extracted from
garlic may protect diabetic patients from these side effects.
High Cholesterol
Levels: Of the two kinds of cholesterol –LDL and HDL, the former is bad
for human health. Garlic, rich in the allicin compound, effectively prevents
LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. All those who have high cholesterol levels
should include this herb in their daily diet.
Hypertension: Garlic is an herbal ingredient for curing hypertension. When
exposed to high levels of pressure, the allicin present in it relaxes the blood
vessels. It also fights against thrombosis by reducing platelet aggregation.
Eye Care: Garlic is rich in nutrients like Selenium, Quercetin and Vitamin
C, all of which help treat eye infections and swelling.
Ear Aches: Garlic is commonly used for curing ear aches, as it has several
antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties. Its oil can be made at home by
squeezing the juice of its cloves and adding it to olive oil. The mixture
should be kept at room temperature for a few days, but shouldn’t be saved
indefinitely, if made at home.
Intestinal Problems:
Garlic clears up most intestinal problems like dysentery, diarrhoea
and colitis. Its role in dispelling worms is phenomenal. It does not affect the
functioning of useful organisms in the intestine, which aid in digestion, but
it does destroy the harmful bacteria present in the intestines.
Cold: Raw garlic is used to treat colds and coughs. At the very onset
of a cold, you should eat at least two crushed cloves of it, which will thereby
help in lessening the severity of your cold.
Infected Wounds: Garlic can be placed on infected wounds as an herbal treatment.
It should be mixed with three drops of water, rather than using it in raw form,
as the undiluted juice can irritate the skin.
Digestion: Daily inclusion of garlic in your diet aids in eliminating any
digestive problems. The herb assists in the normal functioning of the
intestines for good digestion. Even swelling or irritation of the gastric canal
may be rectified with garlic as a treatment.
Acne: Half the people in the world suffer from mild to severe forms of
acne. Garlic may be used, along with other ingredients like honey, cream and
turmeric, to treat acne scars and prevent the initial development of acne.
Garlic acts as a cleanser and an antibiotic substance for soothing skin rashes.
Asthma: Boiled garlic cloves are wonderful as an alternative asthma
treatment. Each night before going to sleep, a glass of milk with 3 boiled
cloves of garlic can bring subsequent relief for patients with asthma. The asthma
attacks may be brought under control by having crushed garlic cloves with malt
vinegar as well.
Sexual Problems: Garlic has certain aphrodisiac properties, so this helpful herb
can be utilized as an effectual sex rejuvenator. The health benefits of garlic
are further known to enhance the libido of both men and women. People who
overindulge in sexual activities should consume garlic in their diet or in
supplemental form to protect themselves from nervous fatigue.
Cancer: The regular intake of garlic reduces the risk of colon, stomach
and esophageal cancer. It aids in reducing the production of carcinogenic
compounds, and also reduces the occurrence of tumours associated with breast
cancer.
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