11 Secret Benefits of Garlic you didn’t know!
Table of Contents
What’s the benefit of garlic?
People, throughout the history, have been benefitting from Garlic because of its health and medicinal properties.
Garlic’s use has been documented in major civilizations, including the Indians, Romans, Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and the Chinese.
So what’s the benefit of garlic? You can scroll through the table of contents, if you’d like to know the benefits for a specific ailment or you can simply gain knowledge that can be a life saviour for you or your family.
Garlic benefits in combating sickness:
I was unaware of Garlic’s immunity boosting capability until a few years ago when my uncle suggested me to have raw Garlic chewed , as I wasn’t recovering from an illness. To my surprise, it really worked and till this date, whenever I feel a slight fever, I chew raw garlic till it becomes hot in the mouth and I gulp it down with some water.
I was quite amazed and found out that it was really backed by several research. You can check it below.
Sources: 1 , 2
Garlic benefits in reduction in Blood Pressure:
Garlic have been found to improve blood pressure for people having Hypertension. Source: 1, 2 , 3
In one research, high doses of garlic (about 4 cloves a day)was found to be as effective as regular medication (Atenonol) . Source: 1
Garlic benefits in improvement in Cholesterol Levels:
Garlic reduces total and LDL (The bad one) Cholesterol (sources: 1 , 2 , 3).
HDL Cholesterol (The Good one) didn’t seem to be affected with Garlic consumption (Sources: 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 )
It should be noted that Garlic didn’t show any significant effects on Triglyceride levels. (Sources: 1 , 2 )
Helps protect heart:
Researchers have found that “Diallyl Trisulphide” ; a component of garlic, helps protect heart post heart attack and during cardiac surgery. (Source: 1 )
In another study, scientists have found that garlic oil may help protect diabetes patients from Cardiomyopathy. (Source: 1 )
Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia :
Garlic contains antioxidants, which help body protect against damages of oxidation by free radicals. (Source: 1)
The combined effect of reduction in blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure level coupled with antioxidant properties ; reduces the risk of brain disease like Alzheirmer’s and Dementia. (Sources: 1 , 2 )
Improved Athletic Performance:
Garlic has been used throughout the history to reduce fatigue (Source: 1 ) and improve work capacity of labourers. Olympic athletes were given garlic in ancient Greece. (Source: 1)
In a study, it was found that peak heart rate was reduced by 12% in people having heart diseases, when they took Garlic Oil for 6 weeks.
Eat (Garlic!), Workout, Repeat!
Garlic benefits in removal of Toxins like Lead!.
Sulphur present in garlic, helps protect organs from damage from toxic metals. A study has found that lead levels in blood was reduced by 19% in employees of a car battery plant.
Garlic benefits in Cancer Prevention:
Lung Cancer :
As per a 7 year study by Chinese researchers, people consuming garlic at least twice a week had 44% lower chances of developing lung cancer. (Source: 1 )
Brain Cancer:
Organo-sulphur compounds which are present in garlic, have been found to be very diligent in fighting and destroying cells in a very fatal brain tumour called Gliobastomas. (Source: 1 )
Prostate Cancer :
Researchers have found that Allium vegetables, esp. garlic intake, lower the risks of prostrate cancer. (Source: 1 )
Protect liver from injury due to Alcohol:
Chinese researchers have found that Diallyl Disulphide (DADS) , a organo sulphur compound present in garlic, have positive benefits in alcohol induced liver damage. (Source: 1 )
Skin Care and Hair:
The antioxidants and the antibacterial properties of garlic , can help you prevent from acne , and other fungal related diseases like Candida, Athlete’s foot etc. (Source: 1) . Garlic might cause burning sensations in the skin and hence, due care should be taken.
Increased Sex Drive :
Garlic might be helpful in people having problems in Erectile Dysfunction and Premature Ejaculation as Garlic along with onion increases libido significantly.
How to Use Garlic?
The health benefits of Garlic are due to the sulphur compounds formed when it is chopped, crushed and chewed. Most important of them is Allicin, which is present only a brief moment after the garlic is cut. Therefore, it is suggested to take raw garlic and chew it till it gets hot and gulp it down with water.
Source: 3
Safety Measures :
Certain safety measures are to be taken into consideration before consumption of Garlic.
Diabetic patients:
Since garlic reduces blood sugars, diabetic patients should be very careful and consume a moderate amount of garlic.
Digestion problems:
Garlic is a very strong food, as it can irritate the Gastro intestinal tract (GI Tract) , caution should be taken if you have gastrointestinal problems like, acidity, ulcers etc.
Low Blood Pressure:
Since garlic reduces BP, people having low BP should be careful.
Surgery:
It is advised not to take garlic a week or two prior to a surgery as it might prolong bleeding and interfere with blood pressure.
Blood Thinners:
If you take blood thinners, garlic, being a natural blood thinner, might amplify the medications’ effect and might make it even harder for your blood to clot.
For meditators:
Despite of Garlic’s tremendous health benefits, it has been prohibited for certain class of people in India, who are into meditation and sadhana, due to its passion and emotion stimulating nature.
Conclusion:
Since, we all are made very differently, due care should be taken while deriving maximum benefits of garlic. Try and test the dosage amount that works for you. Health benefits of garlic is tremendous, let me know if you consume garlic and have derived any benefit from it or have a bitter experience with it!
