Garlic has been
around for centuries and is known and recognized for its medicinal powers.
From the earliest times right up until today, garlic has been used for
various forms of healing, as well as building strength and endurance.
Studies have proved that garlic is best for prevention of heart disease and
cancer. In the ancient times garlic has been used to treat everything from
leprosy to wounds in both world wars and different other diseases.
Garlic for
your Heart
Studies have shown that garlic aids with circulation by widening blood
vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. Garlic works in the body on the
platelets, which are the blood clotting cells, making them less likely to
stick together and cling to artery walls causing heart attacks. Garlic is
also credited with dissolving clot forming proteins that affect the
formation of plaque. It is also believed that garlic may interfere with the
metabolism of cholesterol and aid with lowering the over all cholesterol
count. All these factors lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Garlic
prevents cancer
Garlic helps in preventing cancer and kills the growth if cancer cells.
Garlic contains allium which is helpful in preventing cancer. Also one
component of garlic, alliin, is an antioxidant. Some nutrients, such as
selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E, and in particular alliin, scavenge free
radicals, the free-roaming, unstable molecules that lead to cell damage and
premature aging. Free radicals have also been implicated in the growth of
tumors. In laboratory animals, garlic extracts have actually inhibited the
growth of cancer cells.
Other Benefits of Garlic
Garlic helps combat colds and the flu. It is used to treat sore throats,
high cholesterol, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries), digestive disorders, bladder infections, and liver and
gallbladder problems. It's believed to kill harmful bacteria in the stomach
and protect against gastric cancer. It appears to be a potent antioxidant
and may boost the response of your immune system. It also works as an
anti-inflammatory. Garlic is effective against bacterial, fungal, viral, and
parasitic infections.
Include Garlic in your diet
Garlic comes in many different forms including fresh herb or clove, liquid,
oil, powder and capsules. If you find that the pungent odor of garlic is a
bit more than you bargained for you can purchase the odorless garlic
supplements. But it is best if you get your quota of garlic in food, as it
may be more easily absorbed into your system.
A word of caution
Don't use garlic supplements if you're taking anticoagulants (blood
thinners) or hypoglycemics (a type of diabetes drug). Do not take if
breastfeeding. Rarely, may cause allergic reactions.