Garlic is a herb that exists in different forms such as salt and powder. Its cultivation dates back to over 5,000 years. Garlic has been used for a long time to add flavor to food as well as for its health benefits. There are many benefits and uses that can be realized from daily consumption of garlic. They include:
Healthy Heart
Evidence points towards the ability of garlic being able to fight heart diseases and promote a healthy heart. Garlic is also able to lower one’s blood pressure and slow down the hardening of arteries within the body. In addition, the intake of garlic helps to fight the occurrence of strokes and heart attacks. It acts as a coagulant thereby making one’s blood thinner.
Garlic has also been found to have properties that lower systolic blood pressure. It can be very helpful to hypertension patients. The reduction of cholesterol and blood sugar levels is also possible through the use of garlic.
Protection From Group B Strep
Suggestions have been made on the effect of daily consumption of a raw garlic clove coupled with 2000 milligrams of vitamin C. These suggestions point towards how this combination can help balance gut bacteria and also avoiding GBS. More studies, however, need to be carried out to find out more about this theory.
Healthy Hair
Garlic was found to be able to reduce the loss of hair according to a study back in 2009. This was achieved when the garlic was used topically. Garlic cloves were infused into olive oil then rubbed onto the scalp to achieve these results.
Flu And Colds
Ingesting garlic can lead to the prevention of common cold and flu. This is according to a study that was done in 2001. This evidence was based on elderly people who seemed to respond better in terms of reduction of flu or colds. Do not hesitate to consume garlic during times of illness as required.
Repel Mosquitoes
No evidence had been put forth to support this theory. Nevertheless, many people believe that eating or rubbing garlic on the skin can help to repel mosquitoes. It is said that eating lots of garlic especially when going for outdoor activities such as camping can greatly help to keep mosquitoes away.
Anti-Fungal
According to a study published in the Annals of Applied Biology, garlic can help in the treatment of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. However, garlic can be irritating to the skin. Care should be exercised during the use of undiluted garlic juice.
Anti-Cancer
Anti-inflammatory properties that are contained in garlic help in fighting oxidative stress. This makes garlic a potential cancer fighter. Garlic has been found to affect biological processes that are responsible for modifying the risk of cancer. This is according to an article by Cancer Prevention Research.
Garlic is able to speed up the death rate of cancer cells. It also slows the growth rate of cancer cells within the body. It is able to help in cancers that affect the breast, ovary, stomach, prostate, colorectal, larynx and esophageal. However, more research needs to be done to find out the connection between garlic consumption, diet and lifestyle, and cancer risk.
Ear Infections
Infections within the ear can either be viral or bacterial. Garlic can help deal with these infections within ears. It acts as a natural antiviral, antimicrobial and antibacterial remedy.
Taking garlic on a daily basis can be very useful when it comes to reaping its health benefits. Garlic can be used in cooking or making salad dressing. It can also be taken as capsules or mixed with water. Daily consumption of this herb can help one to realize its uses and benefits.