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Garlic Health Benefits | Raw Garlic Benefits

January 10, 2023 - Bhoomika Singh, Webmedy Team

Updated Version - July 8, 2023


Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of medical conditions. The beneficial properties of garlic are due to a compound called Allicin.

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Allicin is an antibiotic. It is released when garlic is crushed or chewed. Garlic can be used as an antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal agent. Several studies have shown that garlic is more effective as a broad spectrum antibiotic than conventional antibiotics.

Garlic is rich in minerals like phosphorus, zinc, potassium and magnesium. Garlic is rich in vitamin C and vitamin B6.

Health Benefits of Eating Garlic

  • Prevents Common Cold and Cough

    Garlic is known to boost the function of the immune system to prevent colds and the flu virus. Eating two crushed garlic cloves on an empty stomach has the maximum benefit.

  • Improves Heart Health

    Allicin, a compound found in garlic, prevents LDL (bad cholesterol) from oxidizing. It lowers cholesterol levels and improves heart health. Regular consumption of garlic reduces the occurrence of blood clots and thus helps prevent thromboembolism. Garlic also lowers blood pressure, hence good for hypertension patients.

  • Prevents Cancer

    Due to the high amount of antioxidants, garlic protects the body from lung, prostate, bladder, stomach, liver and colon cancer. The antibacterial properties of garlic prevent peptic ulcers.

  • Improves Brain Functioning

    Garlic promotes brain health due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic is high in antioxidants, which help prevent oxidative damage from occurring in your body. Its antioxidant properties may help prevent some cognitive diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

  • Reduces blood pressure

    Garlic is a great spice to include in your diet for people suffering from high blood pressure and hypertension. If you do not like the taste of garlic, then you can take garlic supplements, which will reduce high blood pressure, treat fever and give you many other health benefits.

  • Improves Athletic Performance

    Garlic improves athletic performance. Garlic was used in ancient civilizations to reduce fatigue and improve the working capacity of laborers.

  • Detoxifies Body

    In high doses, the sulfur compounds in garlic protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity. Garlic is a powerful detox food that promotes glutathione production from various enzymes in the liver. It contains other essential detoxifying components including bioactive selenium and several sulfur compounds.

  • Fights UTI and Improves Renal Health

    Fresh garlic juice has the potential to reduce the growth of E. Coli bacteria that cause urinary tract infection (UTI). It also helps prevent kidney infections.

  • Overcomes Oestrogen Deficiency

    For older women, the period of menopause is often associated with a decrease in the hormone estrogen due to an irregular production of proteins called cytokines. Consumption of garlic has been shown to control this to some extent and hence, is effective in reversing estrogen deficiency after menopause.

  • Improves Skin Health

    Garlic helps prevent acne and lightens acne scars. Cold sores, psoriasis, rashes and blisters can all benefit from the use of garlic juice. It also protects the skin from ultraviolet rays and hence prevents skin ageing.

Additional Benefits of Garlic

  • Consumption of garlic has proved to be effective in removing estrogen deficiency after menopause in women.
  • Garlic improves bone health and has been found to be effective against osteoporosis and arthritis.
  • Garlic relieves intestinal ailments and has an antibacterial effect on harmful enterobacteria.
  • Garlic controls blood sugar.
  • Garlic strengthens the immune system as it contains phytonutrients which are antioxidants.
  • Garlic can relieve oxidative stress and help prevent DNA damage and reduce inflammation.
  • Garlic reduces yeast infection.
  • Garlic improves eye health as garlic lowers intraocular pressure.
  • Garlic improves the absorption of iron and zinc.
  • Hot oil massage with garlic helps in reducing stretch marks.
  • Garlic can treat athlete's foot.
  • Garlic Gel with Betamethasone Valerate helps in preventing hair loss.

Summary

Most home remedies are effective only if garlic is consumed raw. The ingestion of one to two cloves of raw garlic per day is considered safe in adults. Eating large amounts of garlic can cause garlic breath, digestive problems and heartburn. In very rare instances, it may increase the risk of bleeding, especially during surgery or if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

Helpful Information

What are the key health benefits of consuming garlic?

Garlic is known for its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, promote heart health, aid in digestion, and might even have anticancer properties.

How does garlic boost the immune system?

Garlic contains compounds like allicin and alliin that have immune-boosting properties. These compounds help stimulate the production of white blood cells in the body, strengthening the body's defense mechanism against infections and diseases.

Can garlic help lower blood pressure?

Yes, studies have shown that garlic can help lower blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension. Garlic contains allicin, which helps relax and dilate blood vessels, promoting better blood flow and reducing pressure on arterial walls.

How does garlic contribute to heart health?

Garlic's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties, along with its ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, contribute to heart health. It helps in preventing the hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) and reduces the risk of heart diseases.

Is garlic beneficial for digestion? How?

Yes, garlic aids digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices, reducing inflammation in the digestive tract, and helping to eliminate waste products. It also has antimicrobial properties that can keep the gut flora balanced.

What is the role of garlic in weight management?

Garlic may contribute to weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning, thanks to its compound allicin. However, garlic should be part of a balanced diet and not the sole method for weight loss.

Can garlic help in managing cholesterol levels?

Yes, some studies have found that regular consumption of garlic can help lower total and LDL cholesterol. The exact mechanism is still under study but it might be due to garlic's antioxidant properties.

What are the anticancer properties of garlic? How does it work?

Garlic contains compounds like allicin that have been linked to inhibiting the growth of certain cancer cells. It's also rich in antioxidants, which protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

How does garlic impact blood sugar levels?

Some studies suggest that garlic might help regulate blood sugar levels, potentially making it beneficial for people with diabetes or those at risk. However, these findings are preliminary and more research is needed.

Is raw garlic more beneficial than cooked garlic?

Raw garlic has higher levels of allicin, the active ingredient responsible for many of garlic's health benefits. Cooking can reduce the amount of allicin, but some benefits are still present in cooked garlic.

How much garlic should I eat a day to gain health benefits?

While the exact amount can vary, some experts suggest one to two cloves of raw garlic per day. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional based on individual health needs.

Does garlic have any anti-aging properties?

Garlic is high in antioxidants which can help protect cells from damage, potentially slowing down aging processes. However, garlic is not a magic anti-aging bullet and should be part of an overall healthy lifestyle..

Are there any risks or side effects associated with eating garlic?

While garlic is generally safe for most people, it can cause bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, body odor, and diarrhea. People with bleeding disorders or who are scheduled for surgery should be cautious with garlic due to its potential blood-thinning effects.

How does garlic improve bone health?

Some studies suggest that garlic could potentially be beneficial to bone health by increasing estrogen in females, a hormone that can help maintain bone health. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Can garlic help in the treatment of common colds and flu?

Garlic has been used traditionally to treat colds and flu. Its immune-boosting properties can help strengthen the body's defenses against these common illnesses.

What is the best way to consume garlic for health benefits?

Both raw and cooked garlic can provide health benefits. However, raw garlic tends to have higher levels of the active compound allicin. Crushing or chopping garlic and letting it sit for a few minutes before consuming can help increase allicin production.

Does garlic have any antimicrobial properties?

Yes, garlic has been found to have antimicrobial properties. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast, fungi, parasites, and some viruses.

Can garlic help in improving skin health?

Garlic's antioxidant properties can help protect the skin from oxidative damage. Some people use garlic topically for its antimicrobial properties to treat skin infections, though it can cause skin irritation in some cases.

How does garlic contribute to brain health?

Garlic's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can protect against cell damage and inflammation in the brain, potentially reducing the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia.

Can people with specific health conditions or on certain medications avoid garlic?

Yes, people with bleeding disorders, those about to undergo surgery, or those taking blood-thinning medication should use caution with garlic. Also, some people may be allergic to garlic. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen.

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