Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic has antibiotic properties (R), however, garlic cannot replace pharmaceutical remedies when you have inflammation. Regular consumption of garlic strengthens your immune system and assists your body fight off viruses and bacteria.

Several home and natural remedies utilize garlic for toothaches, earaches, warts, coughs, congestion, and skin infections.

Read About: The Garlic Man

Garlic triggers the liver to release toxins from the body and protects the liver from the harmful effects of toxins. Garlic is also great for clearing out toxins (R) from the lungs and intestines, promoting overall health.

Garlic promotes heart health by normalizing the heart rate (R). It acts as a blood thinner, reducing blood viscosity and preventing clots from forming in blood vessels. Better blood flow ensures that all the nutrients, including iron, are distributed to the required parts of the body. A better supply of iron helps open up the blood vessels.

Studies also confirm the long-term effects of garlic in maintaining blood pressure and blood sugar and protecting the body from free radicals and inflammation. A check on the LDL levels, or bad cholesterol, is also among the essential benefits of garlic for promoting heart health.

Garlic possesses excellent anti-inflammatory properties (R). Through its reinforcing effects on the immune system, garlic protects the body from major or minor inflammations in the long run. It also treats inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

Garlic helps prevent diabetes complications by lowering blood sugar levels, inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity. Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties support heart health, reduce cholesterol, and improve blood circulation. This protects against diabetes complications like cardiovascular disease and neuropathy.

Garlic, high in allicin compounds, reduces LDL or “bad” cholesterol and prevents it from oxidizing. Garlic should be included in the diet to reduce high cholesterol levels, which can lead to various health problems.

Garlic is useful in managing hypertension. Allicin compounds in garlic help relax blood vessels, reducing blood pressure. It also helps reduce platelet aggregation and counters thrombosis.

Garlic provides a herbal treatment when placed on infected wounds. Use it with a small amount of water instead of directly applying it in raw form, as undiluted oil may cause skin irritation.

Garlic, combined with health-friendly ingredients like honey, turmeric, and cream, helps heal acne scars and prevents acne from developing. Garlic also contains various antibiotics that help soothe skin rashes.

Garlic is also considered an aphrodisiac and helps regulate sexual desires. Garlic is known to increase libido levels in both men and women. It is recommended to include garlic in the diet or supplement form if experiencing sexual health issues.

It is no wonder that garlic is a common ingredient in dietary supplements.

Best Ways to Use Garlic

The best way to benefit from garlic is to use it in every dish while preparing meals. It is a beneficial aromatic used in various cultures as a health remedy for many conditions. Some of the ways are listed below:

• Cooking: Use garlic in cooking and add it to soups, sauces, marinades, and stir-fries. Crush or chop garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before adding to food to activate compounds like allicin.
• Herbal Teas and Infusions: Add crushed garlic to hot water with lemon and honey to cure cold, soothe a sore throat, and provide some antibacterial effects.
• Garlic Oil: Make garlic-infused oil by heating garlic in olive oil. Once cooled, take a teaspoon daily.

Side Effects and Safety Tips

While garlic consumption is good for health, it should not be consumed excessively. Eating a whole bulb of garlic per day in various forms, such as in juices or meals, is considered safe. However, overconsumption of garlic can cause:

• Sleeplessness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headaches
• Skin irritation, such as inflammation or blisters

Precautions and Warnings

People with garlic allergies should avoid garlic altogether. For others, although garlic consumption is safe and generally non-toxic, it should be in moderation. It is also important to consult a doctor before eating garlic if you suffer from the following conditions:

• Brittle diabetes
• Insomnia
• Pemphigus
• Upcoming surgery
• Use of blood-thinning medications
• Dehydration
• Hypoglycemia
• Acute inflammation
• Organ transplant

Garlic can also interfere with certain medications due to its strong effects on various body functions, such as immune, metabolic, and circulatory processes. To ensure proper blood clotting, avoid consuming garlic at least a week before surgery. Remember, garlic is a blood thinner, which can affect clotting and may lead to excessive blood loss during surgery.

Also, note that Chinese-grown garlic, available prevalently in the market, isn’t healthy. Hence, learn to distinguish between Chinese and local garlic and get the right ones. You may read more about it in detail.

Conclusion

Garlic is a nutritional powerhouse with many health benefits. It boosts the immune system, supports cardiovascular health, reduces inflammation, and aids in detoxification. Dense in nutrients, garlic is a valuable addition to any diet as it offers both preventive and therapeutic effects.

While garlic is safe for most people, consuming it in moderation is essential. Overuse may lead to side effects like nausea or skin irritation. To maximize its benefits, add garlic to your meals, use it in supplements, or apply it topically for specific skin problems.

Always consult a healthcare professional before using garlic in large quantities, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

• Sep 2016
  Written by Abhro Bhattacharjee
• Nov 2024
  Edited by Lakshmi Gayatri