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. It is this substance that is responsible for that unique smell. 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 just a few of its benefits.
1. Possibly strengthens the immune system and helps to cope with colds
At least one study showed that if you eat garlic daily, the frequency of various ARVIs is reduced 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 eat the cloves themselves, but the supplement with allicin) gets sick, he gets rid of the symptoms of a cold much faster – 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. And people who take it get 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 far from the only study on this subject. Garlic can actually 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 low-density lipoprotein (LDL – the “bad” cholesterol ) in particular. The effect is most noticeable if you eat 3-4 cloves every day for 8 weeks or more.
4. Resists the development of senile dementia
Garlic is high in antioxidants, which, among other things, protect against mutations and damage to brain cells. Thus, the inclusion of this plant in the diet reduces the risk of developing memory impairments and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Reduces blood sugar
This is especially noticeable in people who have type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the effect appears after 1-2 weeks of daily consumption of this vegetable. Research is still ongoing, but scientists call them very promising. Garlic is recommended for type 2 diabetes therapy. But it is highly desirable to do this under the supervision of the attending physician.
6. Reduces the risk of prostate cancer
Chinese men who eat at least one large clove a day have a 50% lower risk of developing prostate cancer than those who do not eat 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 use garlic for preventive purposes, just in case, consult with your physician. Your doctor will likely approve of your decision and help you find the right 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
