Garlic

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a very useful herb from ancient times for both cooking and medicinal purposes. It grows underground usually, it has a bulb-like shape and covered with white papery skin.It has a very intense and unique flavor because of that it is used almost in every part of the world for food cooking, it increase the taste and nutritional value of food dishes. Garlic can be cooked or can be used raw in various food recipes. 

Benefits of Garlic

Boost immune system

Garlic has antimicrobial properties and it can strengthen the immune system. It is rich in zinc and zinc is very essential to improve the immune system. The stronger immune system leads us to an overall healthy lifestyle because the immune system protects our body from harmful bacteria and viruses.

Reduce the risk of diabetes

Garlic can effectively reduce blood sugar if consumed before the heavy meal which can reduce risk of diabetes. Therefore even it can be good for diabetes patients because it can reduce blood sugar and normal blood sugar level is very important for overall health. So, regular consumption is very beneficial for good health.
 

Reduce high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a very common disorder and it can further increase the risk of various heart disorders if high blood pressure is not treated at the right time. Oral intake of it can effectively reduce systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Garlic can be a very effective and affordable home remedy to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
 

Garlic cures atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a disease of arteries in which human arteries become hard and lose their capabilities to flex and stretch. It is common that human arteries becomes harder with growing age and hardening of arteries can lead to various heart disorders. Various studies prove that regular consumption of garlic can reduce risks of atherosclerosis.   
 

Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants play an important role in maintaining good health. Garlic is rich in antioxidants and contains essential antioxidants, Because of antioxidants it can reduce of cancers such as liver, stomach, lungs and prostate cancers. Antioxidants are also very important for healthy skin and hairs.

Uses of Garlic

Good for liver health

Liver is the one of the largest organ in human body and it plays various important roles in human body. Liver filters every substance which enters and leaves your body. So, it break downs food nutrients and distribute them to other body parts. Liver disorders are very common these days, liver problems can happen because of various factors like regular consumption of alcohol and bad eating habits. Natural foods like these can promote good liver health and reduce risks of liver disorders.
 

Contains Sulphur Compound

Garlic is rich in the sulfur compound (alliin particularly) and it converts into active ingredient allicin, allicin is a powerful antioxidant. Along with antioxidant properties, allicin is also rich in antibiotic and anti-fungal properties and it can also relax blood vessels.

Allicin is very helpful for a healthy liver and prevents various liver diseases. You can have all their amazing benefits just by consuming the cloves of it with your regular diet, and you can directly consume it before and after a meal or if raw garlic is not available, you can buy certain garlic supplements which are easily available in the market at very affordable price.
 

Garlic is a healthy pickle

Pickles are very common worldwide and specially in India. Pickles go well with any snacks and with traditional Indian chapattis. Garlic pickles are readily available in the market or you can make it easily at home with very basic ingredients. And the best thing is that it is very pocket friendly and you can also store it for months.

This pickle has unique health benefits it can be helpful in reducing inflammation which is caused by arthritis because garlic has anti-inflammation properties which can effectively reduce inflammation.

It can also be effective in reducing skin inflammation which can be caused due to psoriasis. This pickle has a vast number of health benefits which you can get with regular consumption of its pickle.
 

Supports healthy skin

Skin problems can be due to many factors such as environmental conditions and other infections. Garlic can be your good friend to reduce skin infections without spending too much money costly products.

It has antiviral and antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties from allicin. It is also rich in various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin B-6,  copper, and zinc. Garlic bulb can reduce acne and increase blood flow into the skin.

Garlic can also reduce skin inflammation whose cause is usually acne or psoriasis. You can use it in many ways to get skin benefits, you can directly apply it’s juice on the inflammation area, it can reduce inflammation within minutes. It also nourishes skin with vitamins and minerals, garlic juice is not available then cloves can also be useful. Even if you apply crushed cloves of it on skin, it can give same benefits as juice.

Its cloves can be eaten directly before or after meals it will provide benefits to the digestive system along with the skin.
 

Garlic improves digestion

Garlic is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants yet it has only a few calories. Therefore daily intake of it in the diet improves the digestive system. It helps in the normal functioning of the intestines for better digestion. You can check out more uses and benefits too.

Side effects of Garlic

While on some aspects there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support the claim but on various matters, studies are done to support beneficial claims of it. There were no major side effects of garlic has been reported in hundreds of years of it useful. But it is still recommendable to consult your doctor for starting any garlic-based therapy.

Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, and upset stomach. These side effects can be more noticeable with raw garlic. Some people have allergic reactions to it.

Taking garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding. If you take an anticoagulant (blood thinner), such as warfarin (Coumadin), or if you need surgery, tell your health care provider if you’re taking or planning to take those supplements.

Further you can check out my blog on Benefits of Black Pepper! Thank you readers…