10 Magical Benefits Of Garlic
June 12, 2022
This pungent-smelling ingredient has been an integral part of kitchens for centuries. The sharp notes of garlic could turn any dish mouth-watering. Its versatility has made it a staple element in most cuisines throughout the world, both raw and cooked.
But that’s not the last stop. In addition to adding a delicious flare to a variety of recipes, garlic has several health benefits.
1. Reduces Inflammation
Garlic helps in the inhibition of the activity of some inflammatory proteins. Rub garlic oil on aching and swollen joints or muscles. It is even recommended by the Arthritis Foundation to help reduce cartilage damage caused by arthritis. Interestingly, different garlic preparations contain different anti-inflammatory organosulfur chemicals.
2. Makes Your Skin Healthy
Garlic's antibacterial and antioxidant qualities can help cleanse your face by destroying acne-causing germs. According to one research, applying raw garlic to pimples might help them go away. Its anti-inflammatory properties help to promote overall circulation, including providing nutrients to your skin more efficiently. Garlic has been demonstrated to possibly help in the treatment of various skin conditions such as psoriasis and fungal infections.
3. Reduces Risk of Heart Diseases
Garlic has been shown in studies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders such as heart attack and stroke by decreasing blood pressure and controlling cholesterol levels. Allicin, for example, is a cardioprotective, sulfur-containing chemical released when raw garlic is chewed, minced, or crushed, and is responsible for garlic's distinct scent and flavor. Allicin's cholesterol- and blood-pressure-lowering effects are beneficial to the cardiovascular system.
4. Increases Immunity
Garlic is thought to have antiviral qualities, which may act in two ways, according to scientists: blocking virus infiltration into cells and increasing the immune response so that it can efficiently fight off prospective invaders. Garlic, in addition to making viruses more difficult to infiltrate, helps build your immune system by increasing white blood cell responsiveness. Especially the sulfur compounds in garlic are known to boost our immunological response. Aged garlic extract can increase immune cell activity and be partially responsible for the reported reduction in the severity of colds and flu.
5. Good For the Brain
Raw garlic contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and copper. This potent combination is especially beneficial for cognitive function: both vitamin B6 and magnesium have been linked to improved mood and brain health.
6. Helps You Fight Cancer
Though more study is needed to completely understand garlic's particular anticancer potential, several studies show that eating garlic may help protect against cancer and that several of its bioactive compounds destroy or slow the formation of malignant cells. Garlic contains allyl sulfides, an anti-inflammatory, a cancer-fighting chemical that has been proven to suppress cancer cell growth.
7. Treats Cold Sores
Holding a piece of crushed garlic directly on the cold sore is a common cold sore home treatment; its natural anti-viral characteristics can help decrease pain and swelling.
8. Reduces Hair Loss
Garlic's high amounts of allicin, this sulfur compound similar to that found in onions that have been shown to successfully treat hair loss, can put an end to your hair loss issues. For maximum effect, rub sliced garlic cloves on your scalp, squeezing as you go. You may also add garlic to oil and massage it into your scalp. In addition to avoiding hair loss, utilizing garlic in this manner is one of the most powerful dandruff treatments available.
9. Helps Regulate Weight
Garlic inhibits the production of genes involved in the creation of adipose cells, which retain fat. It also boosts thermogenesis in the body, which leads to higher fat burning and a reduction in bad cholesterol. It is known to increase your metabolism, which aids in weight loss. Garlic is also known to reduce appetite. It keeps you satiated for longer, which helps you avoid overeating. It is an excellent detoxifier. It aids in the removal of toxins that can wreak havoc on your digestive system.
10. Treats Athlete’s Foot
Garlic has long been used as an anti-infection agent against viruses, bacteria, and fungus. It has been dubbed "Russian penicillin" because of its antibacterial effects, which are again related to the component allicin. Garlic oil or a crushed raw garlic clove may also help with some skin disorders, such as warts and bug bites. It helps relieve itchy athlete’s foot too.