In popular culture movies, Garlic is often depicted as a powerful deterrent for vampires due to its strong odor. Despite its small size, there are many fascinating aspects to this clove herb that are worth exploring.
Garlic (Allium sativum L.) has existed since ancient times for culinary and medicinal purposes. Garlic has various main bioactive medicinal compounds, such as sulfur-containing compounds called Alliin, derived from the amino acid cysteine, which is found in fresh Garlic and serves as a precursor of allicin. When the garlic clove is chopped or crushed, alliinase converts alliin into allicin.
The nutrients found in Garlic:
potassium
phosphorus
zinc
sulfur
selenium
calcium
magnesium
manganese
iron
sodium
vitamins A and C, and B-complex.
Advantages of Garlic for Health:
Lower Cholesterol Levels
Researchers have shown that after patients with elevated cholesterol levels consumed garlic extract for three to four months, they raised their HDL (good) and lowered LDL (bad) and cholesterol levels.
Lower Blood pressure
Studies have shown that consuming garlic or taking a garlic extract can significantly reduce both, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
Boost immunity
Garlic has both antimicrobial and antiviral properties that help relieve symptoms of a common cold.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Garlic can lower stress hormones such as corticotropin-releasing factor, corticosterone, and cortisol.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that is associated with debilitating pain. One study showed that knee pain was significantly reduced in 80 menopausal overweight to obese women by taking garlic supplements for 12 weeks.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is a preventable and reversible chronic health condition. Studies have found that consuming one garlic clove daily can help regulate blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, thus lowering fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C.
Garlic Side effects include;
gas
bloating
heartburn
bad breath
allergic reactions
Caution of Garlic
Do not take garlic or garlic supplements if you are taking blood thinners. Garlic increases the effects of the blood thinners, making it take longer for blood to clot.
Despite its numerous health benefits, garlic is frequently undervalued in Western culture. When cooking, remember the natural advantages that garlic brings to your dishes. Be sure not to underestimate the potential health boost it can provide to your meal.
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