Garlic Benefits To Health
Garlic has a pungent smell, and is good in certain dishes, but is there more to it? Why is it so often considered a great, healthy herb? Well, for one, it has the vital chemical compound allicin, which is a wonderful therapeutic ingredient with many medicinal qualities. The allicin compound contains sulfur, which gives the herb its pungent savor and peculiar smell. The health benefits of garlic are innumerable. It helps to fight heart ailments, fight cold, cough, and lowers blood pressure.
What is Garlic?
Garlic is the oldest known medicinal plant variety or spice in existence. It belongs to the genus Allium and is native to Central Asia. Mankind recognized the curative qualities of this magic herb over 3,000 years ago. Sir Louis Pasteur, the scientist who discovered pasteurization, effectively utilized the anti-bacterial qualities of garlic all the way back in 1858.
Garlic Nutrition Facts
World War I medical surgeons used the health benefits of garlic juice as an antiseptic for treating war wounds. It contains useful minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, and iron, as well as trace minerals like iodine, sulfur, and chlorine, which are also present in the cloves. In terms of organic compounds, it is one of the rare sources of allicin, allisatin.
Garlic Health Benefits
The health benefits of garlic are explained in greater detail below.
Treats Cold
Raw garlic is used to treat colds and coughs. At the very onset of a cold, you should eat at least two crushed cloves of it, which will thereby help in lessening the severity of your cold.
Controls Asthma
Boiled garlic cloves are wonderful as an alternative asthma treatment. Each night before going to sleep, a glass of milk with 3 boiled cloves of garlic can bring subsequent relief for patients with asthma. The asthma attacks may be brought under control by having crushed garlic cloves with malt vinegar as well.
Prevents Cancer
A regular intake of garlic reduces the risk of colon, stomach, and esophageal cancer. It aids in reducing the production of carcinogenic compounds, and also reduces the occurrence of tumors associated with breast cancer.
Treats Wounds
Garlic can be placed on infected wounds as an herbal treatment. It should be mixed with three drops of water, rather than using it in raw form, as the undiluted juice can irritate the skin.
Eye Care
Garlic is rich in nutrients like selenium, quercetin and vitamin C, all of which help treat eye infections and swelling.
Controls Diabetes
Diabetes can harm the kidneys, inhibit nervous system functions, cause heart disorders, and even lead to poor eyesight. The oil extracted from garlic may protect diabetic patients from these side effects.
Treats Intestinal Problems
Garlic clears up most intestinal problems like dysentery, diarrhea, and colitis. Its role in dispelling worms is phenomenal. It does not affect the functioning of useful organisms in the intestine, which aid in digestion, but it does destroy the harmful bacteria present in the intestines.
Boosts Digestion
Daily inclusion of garlic in your diet aids in eliminating any digestive problems. The herb assists in the normal functioning of the intestines for good digestion. Even swelling or irritation of the gastric canal may be rectified with garlic as a treatment.