Benefits of Garlic

Most of us are familiar with garlic as a culinary ingredient but fewer know that it has numerous nutritional and medicinal properties which provide significant health benefits. Following are some of the most important health benefits of garlic:

1. Cardiovascular Disease

Hypertension: Consumption of garlic is associated with reduction in blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, a condition which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol: Total cholesterol as well as LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels are decreased and there may be an increase in HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
Atherosclerosis: Garlic inhibits the development of plaque that hardens the arteries which in turn decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. Supports Immune System

Bacterial and Viral Infections: Garlic has been used as an antimicrobial agent and its effectiveness as an antibiotic is well acknowledged.
Enhances Immunity: Daily intake of garlic strengthens body’s defenses against common viruses that cause cold and other diseases.

3. Acts as an Antioxidant

Oxidative Stress: The antioxidants in garlic prevent the damage of free radicals on cells.
Decreases Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Garlic’s antioxidant activity helps prevent cell damage and aging which may decrease the risk of cognitive disorders.

4. Has Anti-inflammatory Properties

Anti-inflammatory: Organosulfur compounds and diallyl disulfide in garlic exhibits inhibitory effect against inflammation in the body.

5. Reduces Risk of Cancer

Chemoprotective Effects: Bioactive compounds in garlic may decrease the risk of some types of cancer according to some studies, especially stomach and colorectal cancer.

6. Digestive Health

Maintains Beneficial Bacteria in the Gut: Garlic stimulates growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.
Improves Digestion: Garlic may improve the digestive process and prevent digestive disorders.

7.Aids in Detoxification

Detoxification of Heavy Metals: Garlic protects against the damage of heavy metals (such as mercury) to organs through elevation of detoxification enzymes in liver.

8.Bones

Estrogenemia in Women: Garlic increases estrogen levels in postmenopausal women which may decrease bone resorption (bone loss) in women.

9.Exercise Performance

**Enhances Physical Work Capacity: Garlic was historically used to alleviate fatigue and decrease work capacity and recent studies show that it improves physical performance.