Garlic adds an exquisite (well, or specific) taste to dishes and several substances essential for the human body. For example, allicin- an unstable sulfur compound that forms when a clove of garlic is chewed, crushed, or chopped. This substance is what gives out that particular odor. Actually, such amber is a defense mechanism by which garlic tries to scare away living creatures that seek to chew it. But that's a slightly different story.
It also contains other sulfur compounds - diallyl disulfide and a decent amount of vitamins and trace elements. Four cloves (approx. 28 g) provide you
- Manganese - about 23% of the RDA
- Vitamin B6 - 17%
- Vitamin C - 15%
- Selenium - 6%
Add in fiber, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, and garlic is a very nutritious vegetable. Moreover, it is capable of improving health.
Read also: How to Make Garlic Last for Long
7 reasons to eat garlic every day
Here are a few of its advantages.
1. Possibly strengthens the immune system and helps to cope with colds
At least one study showed that daily garlic consumption reduces the frequency of different ARVIs by an average of 63% - compared with placebo.
And even if such a person (for the sake of accuracy, we note that the volunteers did not consume the cloves themselves, but rather the allicin supplement) gets sick, he gets rid of cold symptoms significantly sooner - in a day and a half versus five in the placebo group.
According to other sources, adding garlic extract to the diet improves immune cell function. People who take it also become sick half as often as those who do without this odorous plant. Despite this information, medicine is still cautious and insists that more research is needed. But if you often catch a cold, you should try to connect with this vegetable.
2. Reduces blood pressure
Important for those who suffer from hypertension. Eating about four cloves a day for 24 weeks or longer lowers blood pressure just as effectively as some drugs. This is by no means the only study on the issue. Garlic has been shown to curb hypertension - this is a scientifically proven fact.
3. Reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol
Daily consumption of garlic reduces cholesterol levels in general and, in particular, low-density lipoprotein (LDL - the "bad" cholesterol). The impact is most obvious if you consume 3-4 cloves every day for at least 8 weeks.
4. Resists the development of senile dementia
Garlic is high in antioxidants, which, among other things, protect against mutations and damage to brain cells. As a result, including this plant in one's diet reduces the risk of developing memory impairments and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.
5. Reduces blood sugar
This is particularly obvious in people with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the effect appears after 1-2 weeks of daily consumption of this vegetable. The study is still ongoing, but scientists believe it is highly promising. Garlic is recommended for type 2 diabetes therapy. But it is highly recommended that this be done under the supervision of the attending physician.
6. Reduces the risk of prostate cancer
Chinese males who consume at least one large clove of garlic per day have a 50% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who do not consume any garlic at all or are content with tiny (up to a third of a clove) doses.
Also read: Garlic Sauce: Learn How to Make
7. Is a remedy for fatigue
Fatigue is caused by exercise, retreat, or less pronounced if you eat at least 1-2 cloves. Scientists do not yet understand what this effect is associated with. However, garlic is considered to be a promising remedy that can help combat fatigue.
Who should be careful with garlic?
In addition to its benefits, garlic can have side effects. Experts from the authoritative medical resource WebMD urge do not abuse this vegetable for those who
- Suffering from blood clotting disorders. Garlic, especially fresh garlic, can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Has stomach or digestive problems. The vegetable irritates the gastrointestinal tract and can cause heartburn or other digestive problems.
- Has low blood pressure.
- Preparing for surgery. Here, the risks are again associated with worsening blood clotting.
- Suffers from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
And in any case, if you want to utilize garlic as a preventative measure, just in case, consult with your physician. Your doctor will likely approve of your decision andassist you in determining the appropriate daily dose of a fresh vegetable or garlic supplement.
But, perhaps, the features of your health are such that you should not lean on it. And it is better to clarify this issue with a doctor in advance.
Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff
Sources: Life hacker
