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We’re looking at the incredible benefits of garlic to the human body that many did not know.
Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family and it is closely related to onions, shallots, and leeks.
Each segment of a garlic bulb is called a clove and there are about 10–20 cloves in a single bulb, give or take.
Garlic grows in many parts of the world, and is a popular ingredient in cooking, due to its strong smell and delicious taste.
It has incredible benefits to the human body which include;
1. Garlic helps to lower blood pressure
A couple of cloves a day may help keep a visit to the cardiologist away.
Garlic stimulates the synthesis of nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels, and inhibits ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) activity.
This could potentially support healthy blood flow and pressure.
2. Quells inflammation
Scientists believe that chronic inflammation is responsible for chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer and arthritis.
Garlic helps inhibit the activity of certain inflammatory proteins.
3. Garlic may help lower cholesterol
Another potential perk of garlic for the heart is, it improves cholesterol levels.
How? Garlic may help decrease the production of cholesterol by the liver.
Taking garlic supplements is effective in lowering both total cholesterol and high LDL cholesterol levels, which are two risk factors for heart disease.
4. May support immune function
While there’s not enough evidence to suggest that garlic will prevent or treat common cold, it can play a role in your body’s defence mechanisms in a few ways.
The allicin in garlic provides antibacterial properties.
Scientists also believe that garlic has antiviral properties that may work in two ways.
They block the entry of viruses into cells and strengthen the immune response so that it can effectively fight off potential invaders.
5. Can reduce blood clotting
Compounds in garlic (and onions) have been shown to decrease the ‘stickiness’ of our platelets and have anti-clotting properties.
These may help guard against atherosclerosis, a process in which plaque buildup leads to a hardening and narrowing of the arteries.
Per the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, atherosclerosis increases your risk for blood clots that can cause heart attacks and stroke.
Of course, eating garlic shouldn’t be the only preventive measure you take to protect your arteries.
6. Provides a Host of Antioxidants
Garlic’s nutrients and plant compounds give it “strong antioxidant properties,” per a review published in July 2020 in Antioxidants.
Not only do antioxidants benefit blood vessels and reduce inflammation but they may soak up the damaging free radicals that can lead to diseases like cancer.
7. It Makes Other Healthy Foods Taste Great
Garlic is classified in the same category of food as onions, herbs, and spices.
Garlic brings great flavour to food, so it helps us eat more nutritious meals like vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and beans.”
Adding flavour to food through garlic also help reduce the need for excess salt in food.
Finally, don’t discount the role that taste plays in your overall diet.
When we love the food we eat and learn to listen to our cues for satiety, it can be more satisfying.
We look forward to keeping you up-to-date with relevant discoveries on this topic. Let’s know what you think about this post. CLICK HERE to comment, please!
