Garlic has long been an object of superstition throughout the ages. Garlic according to horror movies protects you from vampires, werewolves, and devils. While I don”t put any faith in these claims, garlic does have many health benefits.
Louis Pasteur examined garlic”s use as an antibacterial back in the nineteenth century and showed how it killed bacteria under laboratory conditions. Numerous modern studies confirm that garlic has definite antibiotic properties and is effective against many bacteria, fungi and viruses.
Benefits of garlic are:
Natural Antibiotic — Garlic”s most powerful medicinal effects are when it is eaten raw and crushed. The allicin within the garlic is lost when cooked which reduces its effectiveness. Cooked garlic is a less powerful antibiotic but it is still a benefit to the cardiovascular system.
Helps fight the common cold.
Antioxidant.
Reduces risk of cancer. Garlic is a natural source of selenium which has shown to have anti-tumor properties. Garlic eaters get less cancer than non-garlic eaters.
Fights infection.
Reduces cholesterol — Evidence is not conclusive but it has helped some people. If your doctor doesn”t object increasing your intact of garlic shouldn”t hurt.
Garlic can be taken in pill form, but fresh garlic provides the greatest benefits. Organically grown garlic tends to have higher sulpher content, a stronger taste and more medicinal value.
Don”t overdue your garlic consumption it can irritate the digestive track. And a few people may be allergic. Symptoms of an allergic reaction are skin rash, temperature and headache.
The many benefits of eating garlic convince me that, garlic should be a part of everyone”s healthy lifestyle.
