Long before modern medicines became an accessible commodity, people turned to garlic to treat a variety of ailments. Today, garlic is still a popular choice for those who want to improve their health using more natural methods. Many people swear by it, and there is no scientific evidence supporting their claims. Here are the amazing (and proven) health benefits of garlic:
1. Garlic Is a Powerful Antioxidant
Antioxidants play an important role in the human body. They protect against dangerous free radicals and may even slow down the aging process. There is also evidence that garlic may reduce the risk of developing dementia. Eating a diet rich in garlic is one way to ensure you get enough antioxidants in your diet. Organic Garlic doesn’t contain any pesticides and is a great option for health-conscious people.
2. Garlic Boosts the Immune System
A robust immune system is crucial to fighting off viruses. It’s sometimes necessary to give your white blood cells a boost. There is some evidence that garlic can help reduce the duration of the common cold. Many experts also believe that garlic has antiviral and antimicrobial properties. However, simply cooking with garlic may not be enough to see results. Adding a high-dose garlic supplement (2.56 grams) to your daily regimen may be just what it takes to stay well.
3. Garlic Reduces Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a silent killer. According to the CDC, nearly 45-percent of Americans have hypertension, and of those, only 25-percent consider their blood pressure to be under control. Unfortunately, hypertension drastically increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, garlic may be just what the doctor ordered to help regulate blood pressure. Garlic helps blood vessels dilate. Although people must take large doses of 600-1,500mg, it can be as effective as some prescription medications at reducing blood pressure.
4. Garlic Tackles High Cholesterol
There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. Doctors label LDL as bad cholesterol, while HDL is the good type. Too much LDL cholesterol leads to plaque buildup in arteries, which increases the risk of a heart attack. On the other hand, HDL cholesterol actually transports unwanted cholesterol back to the liver where the body can get rid of it. Eating enough garlic may help a person with high cholesterol lower their LDL levels. The results appear to be dose-related, however. The more garlic you consume, the more your cholesterol will drop.
5. Garlic Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar and insulin resistance are very dangerous. If left unchecked, these conditions may send a person into diabetic ketoacidosis, which is life-threatening. Although regular blood sugar monitoring and insulin injections can help treat diabetes, patients should also make changes to their diet. Adding plenty of garlic is a tasty way to help regulate blood sugar. The compounds in garlic actually improve insulin sensitivity, which may improve a person’s fasting and after-meal sugar blood sugar levels.
6. Garlic Prevents Bone Loss
As people age, their bones may become weaker. Osteoporosis, a bone-thinning disease, is especially common in women over the age of 50. While there are medications to help stop bone loss, eating more garlic may also help. Osteoporosis is most common in postmenopausal women when hormone levels drastically change. Garlic increases estrogen production in women. Although it won’t restore lost bone density, garlic may help prevent additional bone loss.
7. Garlic Promotes Heart Health
Heart disease is a leading cause of death throughout the world. While it’s not always possible to stop a heart attack, people can make healthy lifestyle choices to help prevent one. Adding lots of garlic to meals is one way to keep your heart beating for longer. Garlic increases nitric oxide in the body, which helps improve blood flow. It also keeps platelets from sticking to the arteries and heart muscle. This lessens the risk of blood clots. Some people choose to take garlic supplements, while others just increase how much they eat.
8. Garlic Boosts Athletic Performance
Eating more garlic doesn’t only help those with chronic health conditions. It’s also a useful tool for athletes who want to perform at their peak. This benefit traces all the way back to the very first Olympians in Ancient Greece. They were given garlic to help prevent exercise-induced fatigue and increase stamina. Although no studies can prove why garlic helps athletes, some believe it’s because of the benefits it has on the heart. By improving blood flow, athletes are able to exercise for longer without growing tired.
9. Garlic Detoxifies the Body
Heavy metal toxicity occurs when high levels of these metals accumulate in the soft tissues of the body. Mercury, lead, and cadmium are some of the most commonly found. In small doses, the metals appear harmless, but as amounts increase, they can cause a plethora of health issues. Those dealing with heavy metal toxicity often complain of chronic fatigue, numbness, brain fog, and abdominal pain. It can also lead to severe organ damage. Thankfully, garlic may help. It contains high doses of sulfur, which may help reduce heavy metal buildup.
10. Garlic Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
Eating a well-balanced meal is the best way to stay active and healthy. However, too many people mistakenly believe that nutritious foods have to taste bland. This is simply not the case. Adding a pinch of garlic to any savory recipe is an easy way to amp up the flavor. Some food connoisseurs add it to all their soups and sauces. Best of all, garlic is low in calories and fat. A serving of garlic has a good amount of iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, and calcium. It also contains vitamins B1, B6, and C. Garlic is the perfect addition to any healthy recipe.
Garlic: A Health Remedy of the Ages
Garlic has been a flavor enhancer and health remedy for centuries. People from all walks of life should consider adding this pungent vegetable to their daily routine. It has positive effects on nearly every system of the body, and it just tastes good. Whether you decide to cook with it or pop a high-dose supplement, garlic can help you live a long, happy life.
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