6 Stunning Health Benefits of Garlic

 

Garlic provides numerous health benefits, and it is widely used during cooking to add flavor to the food. In both ancient and modern history, it has been used for medicinal purposes to treat many conditions and diseases. In ancient times, people used garlic to treat wounds, intestinal disorders, worms, flatulence, skin diseases, respiratory infections, signs of aging and many other conditions.

 

Garlic contains a compound that is known as Allicin. This compound provides a lot of health benefits, and it is also the compound that is responsible for garlic’s distinct smell. Garlic is showing much promise in the treatment and prevention of many diseases:

  1. Heart disease

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic is crucial in helping prevent heart diseases and atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries. Studies show that garlic is an effective blood thinner; therefore, it can be used to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

 

  1. Cancer

Garlic is a potent immune system booster. A vibrant immune system helps the body in the fight against diseases such as cancer. Population studies show that individuals who eat either raw or cooked garlic are less likely to develop colon, stomach or cancer of the esophagus.

 

  1. Immune system booster

Garlic has antiviral, anti fungal and antibacterial properties. Skin conditions that are caused by viruses, bacteria, yeasts or fungi can be treated by rubbing a raw chopped garlic on the affected area.

 

  1. Highly nutritious

Garlic is highly nutritious, and it is known to contain few calories. Garlic is rich in nutritional compounds that have massive health benefits such as manganese, selenium, vitamin B-6, vitamin C, fiber, calcium, iron, copper, potassium, phosphorus and vitamin B-1.

 

  1. Rich in antioxidants

Garlic is rich in antioxidants. As a person ages, free radicals usually build up in the body and contribute to the occurrence of heart diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. Antioxidants found in garlic get rid of these free radicals.

 

  1. Detoxification

Detoxification refers to the removal of toxic ‘stuff’ in the body. Garlic enhances detoxification by supporting many liver enzymes and also encouraging the production of glutathione. Glutathione protects the body cells and makes our energy metabolism run efficiently. According to Oregon State University, organosulphur compounds in garlic protect against organ damage that occurs due to heavy metal toxicity.