Garlic, found in almost every kitchen, is useful in preparing mouthwatering meals and adding flavour to certain dishes. It’s no wonder why it is frequently used in the culinary arts. Aside from being used in cooking, it also offers many health benefits. We will take a closer look at these benefits in this article.
Garlic belongs to the onion family (the Allium family) and has many sections, called cloves. In the past, garlic was used as an antidote to poison during the Roman Empire. Garlic is also believed to ward off vampires, and many European houses in the past hung garlic in the windows and kitchen. From the ancient beliefs to modern uses, the most common benefits of garlic are listed below.
Garlic Can Prevent or Treat Colds.
Consuming garlic frequently helps the body’s natural defence system combat illnesses. The cold virus cannot enter and invade the body because the immune system is strengthened by eating garlic.
Garlic Prevents Hypertension
Another health benefit of garlic is preventing hypertension. It does this by thinning the blood circulating the body. Garlic contains Ajoene, a blood thinner. Blood clots block blood flow in vessels, and if left untreated, they will increase blood pressure until the vessel bursts, thus contributing to hypertension. However, consuming garlic reduces the chances of blood clots and increases circulation.
Garlic Protects the Immune System
Another benefit of garlic to one’s health is immune system protection. Garlic combats infections through its anti-bacterial properties. It was Louis Pasteur who discovered saturated garlic kills bacterial cells. Since then, many people have started using garlic to treat or prevent wound infections. It is an effective antibiotic, boosting the immune system to fight illnesses.
Garlic Prevents Tumors
One more health benefit of garlic is tumor growth prevention. This discovery has led to the hope that garlic can effectively aid in cancer treatment and prevention. Garlic contains the compounds diallyl disulphide and s-all cysteine, which aid in preventing the growth of tumors in the body and preventing some tumors from becoming cancerous.
Garlic Helps Digestion
Garlic helps with the digestive system in that it aids in the elimination of noxious waste matter from the human body and stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices. Crushed garlic cloves can be mixed in either water or milk and taken for all types of digestive disorders.
A lot of individuals may hate the smell of garlic, but because it has many health benefits, people often change their minds.
