Last Updated on November 22, 2020 by Ed Joven

Learn the Health Benefits of Eating Garlic

Garlic is quite a very important spice in every culinary culture. Its unique taste amps up any dish especially those which need sautéing. There wouldn’t be any chili-garlic paste, or butter-garlic toasts, or garlic tarts without this pungent smelling spice. Dishes would never be the same without it.

But of course, not everyone is a fan of this spice. Some say the taste is of putting, others are not a big fan of the strong and distinct scent that it has. What these people don’t know however is how much there are losing because they aren’t putting these special spice in their food.

Here is a summary of 10 health benefits that garlic can give us. By the end of this, [assuming of course that you hate using this spice] you may want to change your mind about it.

1. Garlic is great for the heart

Why you ask? Well for starters, research are starting to accumulate more and more evidence on this matter particularly on the ability of this spice to widen our blood vessels, facilitating a more efficient blood flow, especially to those who have problems with hypertension.

Studies also reveal that this tiny little spice aids in the lessening the clumping of platelets inside our arteries. Platelets clumping would result to blood clot, and blood clot, depending on the location could be of serious health threat to a person.

2. It can ward of Cancer cells from forming

Much has been invested in the study of alternative medicine that could help cancer patients and those who are high risk. Some of these research focuses on the use of natural products such as that of the Garlic. Study shows that it has the ability to slow down the replication of cancer cells. As we all know cancer cells produce very rapidly, a characteristic that sets them apart from our normal cells. Once these cells proliferate very fast they form tumors and these tumors are those that endanger us.

3. Its amazingly rich in nutrients

It’s quite astonishing to know that an ounce of this power spice can give us quite a handful of nutrients that our body needs. First off, we get 1 gram of Fiber and it’s quite known that fiber is great for digestion. Second, it is quite high in vitamin C. An ounce can give us about 15 percent of our recommended daily dose of Vitamin C, and we know that vitamin C is an excellent antioxidant. Then thirdly, it contains manganese. We get about 23 percent of this nutrient with this amount of serving. Manganese is needed to utilize B1.

4. Garlic not only amps taste but also the immune system

We are quite aware of the unique taste that garlic contributes to our dishes, and as mentioned earlier, without it in our food it would seem very strange. But Garlic doesn’t just do well with improving our food as it is also found to boost the immune system. Researchers are yet to unlock the compound or substance that contributes to this superb benefit, but clinical trials show that garlic lowers the chances of getting flu by 63 percent.

5. It lowers down the cholesterol level

Probably more than 50 percent of the world’s population are very much concerned with their cholesterol level, given of course that if its high then one increases his or her chances of developing detrimental health problems like hypertension, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

So it is very good news that Garlic has active components that help lower down the blood cholesterol levels by so many levels. Clinical trials show that people who drink or eat garlic supplements decrease their levels of LDL which we are more familiar with as the Bad Cholesterol.

Garlic Bread

6. It is a brain food

Most people who are in their golden days tend to suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s which are both debilitating diseases that not only affects the patients inflicted with the disease but also the people around him or her. Thanks to the antioxidants like Vitamin C that are found in Garlic and its ability to lower down oxidative stress in the blood through lowering down blood cholesterol level, Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia can be prevented. Adding garlic to your food and other Alzheimer protecting food can increase your chances of having a normal life during old age.

7. Detox body on the go!

There have been several tonics and drinks that are being endorsed all over the news and in social media, but did you know that eating garlic alone could help you with detoxifying your body from heavy metals? Now this is all thanks to the sulfur content of the garlic. This element help the body rid off toxic heavy metals.

8. Garlic is anti-inflammatory

The sulfur compounds found in garlic don’t just display an excellent detoxifying ability but also helps us soothe inflammations such as those caused by arthritis, psoriasis, allergy rashes, skin rashes, acne and the like. A research conducted by Sookmyung Women’s University in South Korea proves just that.

9. Garlic fights off fungal infection

Studies reveal that apart from having anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, garlic is quite very special because it can also fight of fungi. This is again attributed to the sulfur compound that garlic has. It was said that WWI soldiers treated their wounds with cloves of garlic to fight off infection.

10. It can actually make the mood swings go away

Been moody lately? Well, try boosting your diet with garlic. Due to it’s high B6 content, this spice helps in managing your mood swings. Vitamin B6 is a very common medication given to those who are suffering from depression because it is an important cofactor in producing the hormones dopamine (feel good hormone) and serotonin (a mood hormone).

Here are some Filipino Foods that has a lot of Garlic in it.

1] Sinangag Recipe

2] Egg Lettuce Salad with Garlic Herb Croutons Recipe

3] Daing na Bangus Recipe

4] Beef Salpicao Recipe

5] Grilled Scallops Recipe