Garlic is extensively used in Indian culinary. There is hardly any non-veg item that is prepared well without the addition of garlic. In Ayurveda, garlic has been noted for its extensive medicinal properties and now science has proved that garlic actually contains some ingredients that can be highly helpful for a good health.
Garlic is rich in a number of compounds that contain Sulphur, which is also responsible for the characteristic smell of garlic. Apart from the Sulphur containing compounds that gives it anti-bacterial as well as antioxidant properties, garlic also contain selenium. As a whole, garlic can work as a detoxifier, healer and immunity booster in the body. Let us take a thorough look at the health benefits of garlic,
Garlic can be helpful in keeping blood pressure level in check
Garlic can be highly helpful to ensure a moderate blood pressure. The compound named Allicin present in garlic blocks angiotensin II which is known for increasing the blood pressure. In addition to that, garlic also contains polysulphides that is converted to Hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells, which helps in dilating the blood vessels controlling blood pressure. So, if you have a tendency for high blood pressure, which can be highly dangerous for your heart, consuming garlic regularly can be an effective home remedy.
Garlic helps in protecting your heart
Garlic helps in protecting the heart in many ways. As we age, the arteries start to lose their elasticity, which is one of the primary reasons of increased blood pressure with age. Garlic helps in maintaining the elasticity of the blood vessels. In addition to that, the ajoene present in garlic prevents formation of any type of clots in the arteries and also protects your heart from the effects of free-radicals. So, all in all garlic can be a miraculous remedy for a better cardiovascular health and people with heart diseases can easily reap the benefits by including garlic in their diet.
Garlic in controlling blood sugar levels
It is believed that garlic can be effective in normalizing the blood sugar level in diabetic patients. It increases the release of insulin in the body, which helps in regulating the blood sugar. The active compounds of garlic can also be helpful to increase insulin sensitivity of the body, which can be the key to maintain a proper blood sugar level.
Garlic for a healthy respiratory system
People who often suffer from cough, cold and other respiratory problems can get effective benefits by consuming garlic. The natural antibacterial property of garlic helps in keeping any throat or respiratory tract infection at bay. It can also control the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Garlic has also been found to be effective in providing healing effects in case of chronic bronchitis. The ability of garlic to prevent allergic inflammation makes it ideal to soothe the upper respiratory tract and throat area in case of infections. The Sulphur based constituents of garlic are responsible for these anti-bacterial and healing properties.
Garlic prevents cancer
The anti-cancer properties of garlic have been proven through researches. The allyl sulphides present in garlic particularly works for preventing unnatural cell division and tumor formation. Garlic can be helpful in fighting breast cancer due to its diallyl sulphide content, which inhibits PhIP transformation to carcinogens. So, regular consumption of garlic can be effective to keep cancer at bay.
Fight iron deficiency with garlic
Garlic can be highly effective in curing anemia caused due to iron deficiency. The production of ferroportin which is responsible for the absorption of iron in the body is triggered by the diallyl sulfides content of garlic. More ferroportin in the body results into better absorption of iron from food and in addition to that diallyl sulfides also boost iron metabolism in the body, providing effective results in controlling anemia.
Keep arthritis at bay with garlic
Garlic is known for its anti-arthritic property. The diallyl sulfides and thiacremonone present in garlic are known for being effective in preventing arthritis which is a common problem amongst the elderly. In addition to that, the anti-inflammatory property of garlic also helps in controlling any inflammation, which is often linked with arthritis.
Garlic can be helpful for preventing neural damage
Oxidative damage caused by the free radicals adds to the process of aging and the antioxidants present in garlic offers protection to the body from this oxidative damage. The ability of garlic to reduce blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol along with its antioxidant properties can be highly helpful to prevent neural degenerative diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, more researches are still needed on this aspect of garlic.
Garlic helps in detoxifying your body
The Sulphur based active compounds of garlic can be helpful to offer protection from toxicity caused due to heavy metals. Garlic has also been found to reduce a number of clinical symptoms related with toxicity. It is also believed to help your liver function better which naturally adds to the detoxification process.
Garlic might promote better bone health
Till now there has been no human studies linking bone health and garlic; however, it has been observed that garlic helps in increasing the estrogen level in women, particularly in menopausal women, which can be beneficial for a better bone health.
Garlic for hairs and skin
Due to its anti-bacterial and antifungal properties garlic make a potent medicine for treating a number of skin problems like acne, pimples, eczema and others. The soothing properties of garlic can also be helpful to control skin allergies. Antioxidants of garlic helps in fighting age related skin issues. Garlic is known for being highly effective in curing scalp problems like dandruff and itching owing to its natural anti-bacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic is also effective in controlling hair fall and boosting hair growth, which makes it an ideal home treatment for scalp and hair problems.
