Benefits of Garlic

Benefits of Garlic

Garlic has been around for centuries and is known and recognized for its medicinal powers. From the earliest times right up until today, garlic has been used for various forms of healing, as well as building strength and endurance. Studies have proved that garlic is best for prevention of heart disease and cancer. In the ancient times garlic has been used to treat everything from leprosy to wounds in both world wars and different other diseases.

Garlic for your Heart
Studies have shown that garlic aids with circulation by widening blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. Garlic works in the body on the platelets, which are the blood clotting cells, making them less likely to stick together and cling to artery walls causing heart attacks. Garlic is also credited with dissolving clot forming proteins that affect the formation of plaque. It is also believed that garlic may interfere with the metabolism of cholesterol and aid with lowering the over all cholesterol count. All these factors lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Garlic prevents cancer
Garlic helps in preventing cancer and kills the growth if cancer cells. Garlic contains allium which is helpful in preventing cancer. Also one component of garlic, alliin, is an antioxidant. Some nutrients, such as selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and in particular alliin, scavenge free radicals, the free-roaming, unstable molecules that lead to cell damage and premature aging. Free radicals have also been implicated in the growth of tumors. In laboratory animals, garlic extracts have actually inhibited the growth of cancer cells.

Other Benefits of Garlic
Garlic helps combat colds and the flu. It is used to treat sore throats, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), digestive disorders, bladder infections, and liver and gallbladder problems. It's believed to kill harmful bacteria in the stomach and protect against gastric cancer. It appears to be a potent antioxidant and may boost the response of your immune system. It also works as an anti-inflammatory. Garlic is effective against bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections.

Include Garlic in your diet
Garlic comes in many different forms including fresh herb or clove, liquid, oil, powder and capsules. If you find that the pungent odor of garlic is a bit more than you bargained for you can purchase the odorless garlic supplements. But it is best if you get your quota of garlic in food, as it may be more easily absorbed into your system.

A word of caution
Don't use garlic supplements if you're taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) or hypoglycemics (a type of diabetes drug). Do not take if breastfeeding. Rarely, may cause allergic reactions.