Health Benefits Of Garlic

[minisoji]

Throat infections

The antibacterial property of garlic makes it a potent weapon against throat irritations. During cough and cold garlic provides relief against throat irritations. It also reduces the chances of severe respiratory tract infections. Taking two to three garlic cloves a day will cure you of cold.

Diabetes

Garlic is very helpful in regulating diabetes as it helps in controlling the blood sugar levels. Garlic increases the insulin secretion which is very essential in minimizing the effects of diabetes. It is recommended that people suffering from diabetes should take a single clove of garlic everyday as a very effective remedy.

High Blood Pressure

Instead of taking prescription drugs to lower blood pressure, taking garlic regularly for a period of five months effectively reduces the blood pressure levels. It also significantly reduces the chances of blood clot formation which goes a long way in preventing stroke.

Antioxidant

Garlic is a rich source of antioxidants and so it is very effective in eliminating the harmful free radicals. Garlic contains the compound allicin which increases the secretion of antioxidant enzymes. Bit also revitalizes the liver by inhibiting the lipid peroxidation.

Cancer

It is one of the most potent cancer preventive food ingredients. Recent researches have found that garlic contains more than thirty anti cancer compounds like quercetin, diallyl sulphide, allin and ajoene that have the capability to block cancer causing agents. It has been found out that garlic is especially good for stomach, lung and liver cancer.

Warts

Garlic is the best medicine to rid yourself of warts as it can fight bacteria and infections. An effective remedy is to cut a fresh piece of garlic clove and rub it onto the wart for few seconds before going to bed. Do it regularly until the wart disappears.

High Cholesterol

Regular intake of garlic also reduces the blood cholesterol level and also significantly reduces the arterial plaque formation. It also increases the High Density Lipoproteins which are essential for the body. This makes garlic very essential in preventing various heart diseases and obesity.

Allergies

Garlic can effectively fight allergies because it has various antiviral properties. Take two cloves of garlic everyday for a period of three weeks. This will help to strengthen the body mechanism to fight against the allergies.

Toothaches

Crush a garlic clove and apply it onto the affected tooth and gum. It will provide instant relief as garlic has various antibacterial and analgesic properties that are very good in curing toothaches.

[Vega]

While there are a lot of healthy benefits to eating garlic, is there a way to take garlic without having garlic breath? I know the same problem exists with fish oil. People who take fish oil complain about the fishy burps from the oil.

[minisoji]

Side Effects Of Garlic

Garlic Breath
Having raw garlic or fresh garlic juice will give you garlic breath. If you have gone out after consuming garlic, you should not get shocked if people complain about your stinking mouth.

Garlic Body Odor
One of the main side effects of garlic is halitosis or a bad body odor. You can get body odor if you consume garlic in a large quantity. All the body secretions post consumption of garlic will carry the same odor as garlic and will not leave you till the entire content gets flushed out from your body in a natural way. The complete flushing out of garlic content from your body can take a week or so.

Food Allergies
Garlic allergy is not common, but it does exist. The symptoms of garlic allergy can be skin rashes, mild fever, nausea, vomiting and headaches. It is believed that if we consume beneficial herbs or food, there is some sort of reaction from our body. These reactions are considered good, as per the traditional thought, where it is believed that these reactions are an evidence of the body cleansing and detoxifying itself. This applies to garlic also, but if one needs to avoid such reactions, it is better to consume the herb in small quantities.

Effects Of Overdose
It is believed that if garlic is consumed in excess, it can lead to nausea, vomiting and even diarrhea. If you want to gain the benefits of garlic, without its side effects, it is advisable to consume it in a small quantity initially, building up your dosage slowly. Raw garlic is very powerful and can affect the digestive tract. Garlic juice can even burn your stomach and affect digestion.

Potential Drug Interactions Of Garlic
It is better to avoid having garlic before surgery, as it could disrupt anti-coagulants. Garlic is also a well-known blood thinner therefore, it is better to ask your doctor about consuming garlic before going in for a surgery. Garlic can also react with drugs like warfarin, antiplatelets, etc; therefore, if you are on any of these drugs, it is of paramount importance that you exercise additional caution.

Contraindications
Some sources recommend that garlic in high doses or for medical purpose is not good for nursing mothers, pregnant women and children.

[kerry47]

Hello Friends......

Garlic can be used to treat high cholestrol, parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy. Studies suggest that regularly eating garlic helps lower blood pressure, controls blood sugar and blood cholesterol, and boosts the immune system. It has also been found to reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer.

Thanks