Garlic is used since long ago in Central Asian kitchens as a taste enhancer. The aroma and taste that garlic gives when cooked into any dish are just amazing. It gives an ethereal flavor to the food dishes like curries, stews, soups, pizzas and meats. Along with taste, health benefits of garlic are numerous which makes it a must-have kitchen ingredient. Raw garlic contains a compound named Allicin (a sulphur containing compound) that gives it antibacterial, antifungal, antibiotic and antiviral properties.
It is rich in nutrients which are essential for healthy body. The composition of 100 gm of garlic is 59% water, 33% carbohydrates, 6% protein, 2% dietary fiber and less than 1% fat.
The nutritional value per 100gm is vitamins B6 and C, carbohydrates, selenium, manganese, phosphorus and copper. Over in all, benefits of garlic cover the whole body, making it a powerhouse of health.
Here is a list of top benefits of garlic:
1. For allergy
Allergy has become very common in today’s polluted environment. Allergens like dust and pollens are the triggers that lead to coughing, sneezing, asthmatic problems and congestion in chest. Garlic is a natural antibiotic that provides relief against allergic symptoms. Also, it has the potential to make you immune towards these allergens.
- Take 2-3 clove of garlic daily empty stomach in the morning.
2. Lowers cholesterol
High cholesterol is a very big headache for everyone as it leads to weight gain and many diseases. It can be reduced with the continuous use of raw garlic. The bad cholesterol gets decreased in just a few days and the good cholesterol doesn’t get affected at all. Thus maintaining the balance and keep the body in proper shape.
3. Reduces blood pressure
Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure of blood against arteries as Heart pumps it around the body. The high blood pressure indicates the poor heart health and increases the risk of stroke. Garlic very efficiently keeps a check on your heart health and maintains the normal blood pressure of your body.
4. Regulates blood sugar
This miracle spice has high content of Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin C which helps keep the blood sugar level in check. Many research has been done on rats to check the effectiveness of raw garlic and all with positive results.
5. Fights cancer
Garlic is antitumor in nature and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. It strengthens the immune system and provides defense against cancer. Research has also proved that it reduces the chances of breast and stomach cancer.
It strengthens the immune system to fight against foreign elements and stimulates the natural defenses of body.
6. Keeps heart healthy
Cardiovascular diseases or the problems related to heart tend to increase at the age of and above 40. Garlic contains allicin which keeps the heart health in check by reducing bad cholesterol, balancing blood sugar and lipid.
- Eat 3 cloves of raw garlic first thing in the morning.
7. For hair growth
Hair loss is triggered due to many factors like pollution, body deficiencies, infection of scalp etc. The nutrients present in garlic cleans the hair follicles and stimulate the blood circulation in the scalp. Thus help get rid of dandruff and other bacterias present in hair. Vitamin C in it also promotes the hair growth by reducing the hair fall.
- Chew 2-3 raw garlic once a day with water or smoothie.
- Add it to the food like salads, soups, curries, dal etc.
8. For skin infections
Our skin is prone to acne, aging and also develops psoriasis. These facial infections occur due to the bacteria and fungus. Garlic works perfectly well to immune your skin against these casualties. It is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal which help keep all the infections at bay.
- Chew -3 clove empty stomach in the morning.
9. For sinusitis
In sinusitis, the sinus region of nose gets clogged due to the accumulation of phlegm. The symptoms are pain in nose, facial pain, congestion, headache and cold.
Garlic is antibiotic, antifungal and antibacterial in nature and clears the nasal passages by melting the mucus collected in the sinus region.
- Take the garlic steam.
10. For cold and flu
Garlic is considered very effective for cold and flu. It kills the infection causing bacteria and virus present in the body. Also, it acts as an expectorant and opens up the congestion in the chest.
It gives bad breath when chewed so you can also gulp it down directly with water to avoid the bad breath.
- Chew a clove of raw garlic every 3-4 hours in a day while suffering from cold.
11. Cures toothache
Toothaches are very bad that can cause a headache too. Garlic is antibiotic and antibacterial in nature which when chewed releases compounds that reduce the tooth pain.
- Make a raw garlic paste and add some salt to it. Apply it on the aching tooth for few minutes and then rinse it with warm salt water.
12. For vaginal infection
Vaginal infection occurs due to the presence of yeast. The starting symptoms are itchiness followed by white and lumpy discharge with burning sensation while urinating.
Garlic is known to be very effective in killing yeasts and can give positive results in just 2-3 days.
- Peel off the clove of garlic and put it into the vagina while you go to sleep at night time. Remove it the next morning.
- Repeat it for 2-3 days.
13. Provides nutrients
A clove of garlic is rich in large number of nutrients. It provides you with minimum calories and plenty of nutrients. It contains vitamin C, Vitamin B6, manganese, calcium, selenium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, fiber and iron.
Thus it also helps in the weight loss in addition to supplementing your body with essential nutrients.
Note:
- Do not overdo the consumption as it has side effects too like gas, vomiting, nausea.
- Always eat it raw, as cooking it reduces the amount of allicin present.
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