Health benefits of Garlic, the wonder herb !

     Garlic 'Allium sativum', commonly known as garlic, the world's favourite culinary herb, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. 

In this article I will examine the health benefits of adding this ancient herb to your meals.

In foods and beverages, fresh garlic, garlic powder, and garlic oil are used to add flavor. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and rakkyo. 

It is thought that garlic is native to Siberia, but spread to other parts of the world over 5000 years ago.

Heart and blood vessels

Garlic whoose active ingredient is Allicin, is used for many conditions related to the heart and blood system. 

These conditions include high blood pressure, low blood pressure, high cholesterol, inherited high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack, reduced blood flow due to narrowed arteries, and arteriosclerosis.

According to a 2007 study done at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, garlic can help relax blood vessels by up to 72 percent more than a placebo. 

Moreover, garlic lowers bad cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

Arthritis

Garlic slows down rheumatoid arthritis. It contains a compound called diallyl disulfide that helps limit cartilage-damaging enzymes.

For best results eat raw on an empty stomach since cooking reduces some of its potency.

Cancer 

Some people use garlic to prevent colon cancer, rectal cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, multiple myeloma, and lung cancer. 

It is also used to treat prostate cancer and bladder cancer.

Prostate cancer

Men in China who eat about one clove of garlic daily seem to have a 50% lower risk of developing prostate cancer. 

Also, population research shows that eating garlic may be associated with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. But other research suggests that eating garlic does not affect prostate cancer risk in men from Iran. 

Early clinical research suggests that taking garlic extract supplements might reduce the risk of prostate cancer or reduce symptoms associated with prostate cancer.

Garlic has been tried for treating an enlarged prostate benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, osteoarthritis, hayfever, traveler's diarrhea, high blood pressure late in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), yeast infection, flu, and swine flu. 

It is also used to prevent tick bites, as a mosquito repellant, and for preventing the common cold, and treating and preventing bacterial and fungal infections, some believe!

Infections 

Other uses include an adjunct in the treatment of bacterial, fungal and viral infections. 

It can help in the treatment of coughs, sinus congestion, gout, joint pain, hemorrhoids, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, low blood sugar, diarrhoea, tuberculosis, bloody urine, a serious nose and throat infection called diphtheria, whooping cough, tooth sensitivity, stomach inflammation (gastritis), scalp and ringworm.

Also, a sexually transmitted disease called vaginal trichomoniasis. It is also used for fighting stress and fatigue.

Some people apply garlic oil to their skin or nails to treat fungal infections, warts, and corns. 

It is also applied to the skin for hair loss and thrush. Garlic is used in the vagina for yeast infections and vaginal odour.

Immune Booster

Garlic is a good source of vitamins C, B6 and the minerals selenium and manganese, all of which boost the immune system.

Miscellaneous 

Garlic is also used for earaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, menstrual disorders, abnormal cholesterol levels caused by HIV drugs, hepatitis and  shortness of breath related to liver disease.

It treats stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.

Exercise performance, exercise-induced muscle soreness.

A condition that causes lumps in the breast tissue called fibrocystic breast disease, a skin condition called scleroderma, and lead toxicity.

How it works?

Garlic produces a chemical called allicin. This is what seems to make garlic work for certain conditions. Allicin also makes garlic smell. 

Some products are made "odorless" by aging the garlic, but this process can also make the garlic less effective. It's a good idea to look for supplements that are coated (enteric coating) so they will dissolve in the intestine and not in the stomach.

Research based Uses

Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). As people age, their arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch and flex. Garlic seems to reduce this effect. 

Taking a specific garlic powder supplement (Allicor, INAT-Farma, Moscow, Russia) twice daily for 24 months seems to reduce how much hardening of the arteries progresses. 

Higher doses of this product seem to provide more benefits in women than men when taken over a four year period.

Colon cancer, rectal cancer. Research suggests that eating garlic can reduce the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer. 

Also, in people diagnosed with a certain type of colon and rectal tumors, taking high doses of aged garlic extract daily for 12 months seems to reduce the risk of developing new tumors. However, other garlic supplements do not seem to offer the same benefit.

High blood pressure. Some research shows that garlic by mouth can reduce blood pressure by as much as 7% or 8% in people with high blood pressure.

Side Effects

Garlic is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Garlic has been used safely in research for up to 7 years. 

When taken by mouth, garlic can cause bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth or stomach, heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, body odor, and diarrhea.

Special Precautions

Pregnancy and breast-feeding.

LIKELY SAFE to use during pregnancy when taken in the amounts normally found in food. Garlic is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used in medicinal amounts during pregnancy and when breast-feeding. 

There is not enough reliable information about the safety of applying garlic to the skin if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Precaution in Children

Some sources suggest that high doses of garlic could be dangerous or even fatal to children. 

The reason for this warning is not known. There are no case reports available of significant adverse events or mortality in children associated with taking garlic by mouth. 

When applied to the skin, garlic might cause damage to the skin that is similar to a burn.

Bleeding disorders

Garlic, especially fresh garlic, might increase the risk of bleeding.

Stomach or digestion problems : Garlic can irritate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Use with caution if you have stomach or digestion problems.

Low blood pressure

Garlic can lower blood pressure. In theory, taking garlic might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.

Surgery

Garlic might prolong bleeding and interfere with blood pressure. Stop taking garlic at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

HIV

Please note that Garlic may interfere with some HIV drugs. Consult your doctor before adding garlic to your diet.

Glad to have you here and goodluck on your journey to wellness. Prevention is better thsn cure. Click on the label or the search icon at the top of the page for more health articles.

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