9 Reasons Why Eating Garlic is Good for Health

Many ingredients in the food that we eat have benefits that mostly go unnoticed. Garlic is one such powerfood that makes recipes from Indian to Italian, taste divine. Used in many kitchens worldwide, garlic's distinct taste adds flavour to many popular Indian curries and other savoury dishes.

But did you know that eating raw garlic can help improve various aspects of your health? Benefits of garlic range from improving blood pressure to lowering your cholesterol.

Read on to know the benefits of eating raw garlic on your health:

1. Garlic helps in regulating blood pressure

High-blood pressure is one of the reasons behind the rising numbers of heart attacks and strokes around the world.

Because of its immunity boosting and blood-purification components, eating garlic on an empty stomach is considered beneficial for maintaining healthy blood-pressure level.

2. Garlic possess potent medicinal properties

Since a very long time, garlic has been known for its medicinal properties. Prominent civilisations like Egyptians, Greeks, Babylonials and Romans have a special mention of this ingredient in their chronicles of health. Scientists have established that the sulphur compounds generated when a garlic clove is crushed, chopped or chewed enter the body and exert their potent biological effects.

3. Garlic is especially effective in improving blood cholesterol levels

LDL or the ‘bad’ cholesterol collects in the walls of your blood vessels, raising your chances of health problems like heart attack or stroke.

For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplements help by reducing total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10–15%.

4. Garlic contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s

Eating garlic in your food regularly has been known to enhance antioxidant enzymes in the body and reduce oxidative stress in people with high blood pressure problems. This dual function of reducing LDL and antioxidant properties, may limit the risk of brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

5. Garlic boosts the immune function

Garlic eaten raw is considered a great natural antibiotic. Eating it on a regular basis helps in keeping infections at bay. Some studies suggest that this ingredient can combat sickness, including flu, common cold, etc.

6. Garlic’s performance enhancing properties might improve stamina

Interestingly, Garlic was used in ancient cultures to increase the work capacity of labourers. Another noteworthy finding is that it was given to Olympic athletes in ancient Greece to help with their performance.

7. Garlic helps in reducing weight

Surprisingly, benefits of garlic also include weight loss. So, if you are looking to shed some calories, make sure to include eating raw garlic in the morning on an empty stomach in your diet plan in mild quantities. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, there is an association between garlic and fat-burning. The compounds in it are known to stimulate the fat-burning process.

8. Garlic combats depression

Garlic is also known for balancing chemicals in your body, and this includes brain chemicals. The main cause of depression is imbalance of brain chemicals, and as such, this ingredient can help in fighting depression.

9. Garlic improves lung health

Another new benefit that's now come to lights is that garlic can help protect you from lung infection. It helps clear the respiratory tract and can fight lung diseases like asthma, bronchitis, whooping cough and tuberculosis.

Despite its many advantages, Garlic should never be considered as a substitute of medications. It is simply an ingredient that can immensely boost the functions of your body.

If you are taking treatment for any health condition, do consult your doctor about how you can include garlic in your diet. SheThePeople is collating third party research and information. We advise you to seek medical help incase you are allergic to garlic.