Garlic is among the spices that have been an essential part of Indian meals for centuries. This seasoning ingredient is known to have a distinctive smell due to the presence of sulphur compounds. Some people do not prefer to consume it owing to cultural and religious beliefs, and some detest the bad breath it causes; yet, many people all over the world do realise the excellent health benefits of garlic. In Ayurveda, it is more like a medicine than a food ingredient.
Garlic is recognised for its medicinal powers, and we share some noteworthy facts in this article that would make garlic a must-have food item in your kitchen.
1. Fights Cold and Flu
Taking garlic supplements in daily meals will improve the immune system, thus helping the body to fight off ailments, including common cold and flu. Some experts suggest eating fresh raw garlic instead of cooked garlic. When it is crushed, chopped or chewed, sulphur compounds form that have medicinal value. Allicin is one unstable compound. Heating or cooking may reduce the medicinal properties of garlic.
2. Lowers Risk of Heart Problems
Regular intake of garlic in the diet can lower the levels of bad cholesterol. Regulation of blood pressure and sugar levels in the body is also among the garlic health benefits that one can gain by consuming this magic ingredient. Garlic works effectively in lowering the risks of cardiovascular diseases.
3. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
Oxidative stress in the body occurs due to an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, and it is linked to people who have Alzheimer's disease. Garlic is a rich source of antioxidants and protects health against oxidative damage. While garlic lowers cholesterol and risk of heart disease, it also works towards preventing Alzheimer’s disease, which is one of the common brain disorders that causes loss of memory and brain cells.
4. Helps Heal Infections
The anti-bacterial properties of crushed garlic cloves are popular for thousands of years. Garlic juice has antimicrobial qualities. It is effective and safe for healing many bacterial infections, including wounds and ulcers, with its anti-inflammatory effects. Using a mouthwash with garlic extracts can help keep cavities and gum diseases at bay.
5. Lowers Risk of Cancer
Garlic is one of the foods for cancer prevention owing to its ability to boost the immune system. There have been some studies that prove the therapeutic effects of garlic in the prevention of various types of cancer, such as lung cancer, stomach cancer, and breast cancer.
6. Helps Detoxify the Body
Since garlic has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it is also one of the effective natural remedies to cure acne. Taking two raw garlic cloves with warm water daily morning will help in cleansing the blood, thus reducing the chances of health problems. It also helps the body get rid of heavy metal toxins and impurities in the blood.
Takeaway
Garlic is among the medicinal herbs and spices that nature has gifted us. While they add flavour and aroma to our everyday meals, they also work silently to offer many health benefits. Hence, it is crucial to realise the medicinal properties of garlic and many such foods items and make them a staple ingredient in the foods we consume.
Now you know the best way to keep health problems at bay with these useful tips. Do remember to secure your financial health by learning the benefits of health insurance and opting for a health cover by Care Health Insurance.
>> Also Read: The Best and Healthiest Foods for Cancer Patients
Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only.
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