What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Garlic?
What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Garlic?
Medical research links garlic to a number of health benefits, including antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties. But the way it’s consumed can make a difference. The sulphur-containing compound in garlic, allicin, becomes almost deactivated when heat is applied to it, so cooking it tends to reduce its medicinal effects. For these reasons, raw garlic is typically recommended for the best results. And it’s not hard to add a clove or two per day to your diet if you want to reap its health benefits.
Antioxidants
Garlic is rich in antioxidants and has been used for thousands of years to improve health and prevent disease. Some of these benefits include lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels, and helping to regulate glucose and insulin levels in the body. Several studies have shown that garlic reduces oxidative stress by protecting against the damaging effects of free radicals, which are produced during normal metabolism and in inflammatory processes. Moreover, garlic can help to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels and promote glutathione production by liver enzymes.
Lowers Blood Pressure
There are many benefits to eating raw garlic, but it’s also a natural blood pressure-lowering remedy. In fact, it may be more effective than the cooked version because of its ability to release allicin — a compound that has shown to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 15 points. In addition, it’s a good source of potassium. A high-potassium diet is essential for lowering blood pressure and can reduce the risk of kidney damage, heart disease, stroke, and a type of dementia known as vascular dementia that can develop in people with hypertension. Aside from eating a high-potassium diet, you can lower your blood pressure by exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products is also important for keeping your blood pressure under control.
Lowers Cholesterol
One of the many benefits of garlic is that it may help lower cholesterol levels. This is true for both raw and cooked garlic. A typical serving of garlic (one clove) will decrease your cholesterol levels by 10% to 15%. But if you are taking a prescription medication to reduce your cholesterol, it is best to consult with your doctor before making any changes to your diet. It also has anti-clotting properties and can help guard against atherosclerosis, which is a condition in which plaque buildup can cause clogged arteries.
Categorised in: Health Tips, Natural Food Stores, Natural Products