Reasons Why You Must Eat Garlic: Its Health Benefits

Ginger cloves(wikipedia)

Every now and then, we use garlic as flavouring or condiment in food. Garlic(allium  sativum) is a species of onions. It is strong flavoured and contains buyphyto-nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that have proven health benefits. Total measured antioxidant strength (ORAC value) is 5346 µmol TE/100 g. Globally, China account for 77% of world production of garlic

The use of garlic dates back to ancient Egypt, China. It was consumed by Greek and Roman soldiers. Ancient world used it to cure parasites,
respiratory problems,
poor digestion, and low

energy. Galen called it "rustic's theriac" (cure-all). Most of the health benefits of garlic are

1.Lowers Cholesterol Level Reducing Heart Diseases
It has been revealed by  studies show that allicin present in garlic reduces cholesterol production by inhibiting the HMG-CoA reductase enzyme within the liver cells. Though it reduces the LDL cholesterol(the bad cholesterol), it does not lower triglycerides(body fats) which poses heart risks

2. Prevents Hair loss
For those with hair loss problem, rubbing sliced cloves of garlic into your scalp can help alleviate the problem.  This is due to allicin, the sulphur compound in ginger.

3.Reduces Blood Pressure
Allicin  have been proven to decrease blood vessel stiffness by release of nitric oxide thereby bring a reduction in the total blood pressure. It prevent  platelet clot formation and decrease the risk from heart diseases and stroke.

4. Physical Performance
According to research, ancient Roman and Greek soldiers, sailors and labourers consumed garlic. It was believedto improve strength and performance. It may help reduce exercise related fatigue. It  improves work capacity. It is not yet scientifically proved though

5. Anti- Cancer Properties
Research studies also found that consumption of garlic is associated with a possible decrease in the incidence of stomach cancer.

6. Anti-Microbial and Healing Potentials
Garlic possesses antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has been found that it helps in alleviating common cold( there is little clinical evidence to support this claim). It is an antiseptic used to treat gangrene.

7. Fortified with Vitamins and Minerals
Garlic is an excellent source of minerals and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. The bulbs are one of the richest sources of potassium, iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and selenium. Selenium is a heart-healthy mineral, and is an important cofactor for antioxidant enzymes within the body. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for red blood cell formation.

It contains many flavonoid anti-oxidants like carotene beta, zea-xanthin, and vitamins like vitamin-C. Vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals.


Adverse Effect
Although garlic seems to be fortified with so many health benefits. It has its bad side and toxic effects. One of the major effect is mouth odour(halitosis). This result from garlic consumption. This could be reduced by sipping milk at the same time while consuming garlic. Drinking water could also help in reducing the effect
 Research published in 2001 concluded that garlic supplements "can cause a potentially harmful side effect when.combined with a type of medication used to treat HIV/AIDS".

Garlic can also cause allergies like diarrhoea, mouth ulcer, throat ulcer and nausea. Raw garlic can cause injury to the digestive tract. People who consume garlic can also produce pungent sweat due to allyl methyl sulphide in garlic. It may interact with drugs like warfarin antiplatelets , saquinavir ,antihypertensives , calcium channel blockers,antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin , and hypoglycemic drugs.