Garlic: nature’s powerful medicine

by Stepy — May 13, 2013

Garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, and chive.^.
It is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and is widely used around the world for its pungent flavor as a seasoning or condiment.The garlic plant’s bulb is the most commonly used part of the plant.Garlic has long been known as one of nature’s true miracle. It is used in all the possible forms: raw, in cooking, and even in supplement form. Adding garlic to your diet is an essential step you can take to improve your health.
Here are some of the many health benefits of garlic:
1. Heart benefits
Garlic helps reduce cardiovascular risks and is known to lower levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol). Garlic helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, which is considered one of the main causes of stroke and heart disease. It also helps reduce blood pressure.
2. Cancer fighter
The consumption of garlic is linked to the reduction of certain types of cancers, mainly gastric cancer. Garlic has antibacterial properties, protects DNA, and also helps prevent cancer cells from forming or spreading.
3. Immune booster
Garlic is a potent immune system booster. It boosts the immune system by stimulating white blood cell production and making antibodies more efficient.
4. Cold and flu fighter
Garlic is well known and is widely used to treat and prevent colds and flu. A study done in the UK suggests that the participants who took garlic supplements were “less likely to get a cold and recovered faster if infected.”
5. Anti-inflammatory
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis.
6. Detoxifier
Garlic is an effective detoxifier. It works by stimulating the liver to help eliminate toxins within the body.
7. Allergy fighter
The antiviral properties and immune boosting properties of garlic help the body’s resistance to seasonal allergies. It is recommended to eat a fresh clove of garlic daily or take a garlic supplement to prevent allergies.
8. Eye health
Garlic’s sulfur content helps the body produce eye-healing antioxidants.
9. Aids with digestion
Garlic is excellent to maintain a healthy and effective digestive system. It gets rid of waste in the body, and helps stimulate digestive fluids.
10. Iron metabolism
A recent study shows that the consumption of garlic may help our bodies metabolize iron.
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SOURCES:
1. “Garlic.” WHFoods. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.
2. “Preventing the Common Cold with a Garlic Supplement: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Survey.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, July-Aug. 2001. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.
3. “Garlic: MedlinePlus Supplements.” U.S National Library of Medicine. Therapeutic Research Faculty, 24 Dec. 2011. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.
4. “Higher Bioaccessibility of Iron and Zinc from Food Grains in the Presence of Garlic and Onion.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2010. Web. 25 Mar. 2013.