ADVERTISEMENT
Garlic is not only a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world but also a powerful superfood with a multitude of health benefits and medicinal uses. Its history as a medicinal agent dates back thousands of years, indicating its significant role in disease prevention and treatment. Here are some of the key benefits and medicinal uses of garlic:
1. Boosts Immune System
Garlic is renowned for its properties that enhance the immune system. It contains compounds like allicin, which have been found to boost the disease-fighting response of white blood cells in the body when they encounter viruses, such as the common cold or the flu.
2. Reduces Blood Pressure
High doses of garlic have been shown to help reduce blood pressure in people with known high blood pressure (hypertension). Garlic supplements are known to be as effective as some standard blood pressure medications, thanks to the production of nitric oxide, which helps relax blood vessels.
3. Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Garlic can lower total and LDL cholesterol. For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplements appear to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15%. Its antioxidant properties also help prevent LDL particles from becoming oxidized, reducing the risk of heart disease.
4. Natural Antibiotic and Antifungal
The allicin in garlic is also known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has been found to combat various bacteria, including E. coli. Allicin offers a great way to treat skin infections naturally and can fight fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworm.
5. Improves Bone Health
Garlic has been shown to minimize bone loss by increasing estrogen in females, suggesting that it can be a beneficial natural treatment for osteoporosis and bone health in women.
ADVERTISEMENT
