Garlic: Its important health benefits!

The garlic it is grown in various parts of the world and is used in cooking because of its strong smell and wonderful taste.

However, in ancient times the main use of garlic was for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.

Its use has been recorded by many great civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Babylonians, Romans, Greeks and Chinese. In fact, Hippocrates used to administer garlic to his patients for the treatment of various diseases.

Scientists now know that most of its health benefits are caused by the sulfur compounds (allin, allicin, and achoene), which are formed when a clove of garlic is chopped, crushed, or chewed.

The sulfur compounds from garlic enter the body from the digestive system and travel throughout the body, where they exert their powerful biological effects.

– It has high nutritional value, but few calories

A 28 gram serving of garlic contains:

Manganese: 23% of the Recommended Daily Intake

Vitamin B6: 17% of the Recommended Daily Intake

Vitamin C: 15% of the Recommended Daily Intake

Selenium: 6% of the Recommended Daily Intake

Fiber: 0.6 grams

Amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1

Garlic also contains traces of other various nutrients. In fact, it contains a little bit of almost everything you need.

All this with 42 calories, 1.8 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbohydrates.

– Contributes to the elasticity of blood vessels

One of the most important cardioprotective actions of garlic is its ability to prevent the oxidation of "bad" cholesterol, a process that is considered the most decisive for the creation of atherosclerotic plaque in the vessels, with many studies supporting the beneficial effect of garlic against of atherosclerosis. Therefore, garlic appears to protect our heart by helping to maintain the elasticity of our blood vessels.

– May lower total and LDL cholesterol

For people with high cholesterol, garlic supplements seem to lower total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15%. Garlic appears to lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) but has no effect on "good" cholesterol (HDL).

– It has an antimicrobial effect and strengthens the immune system

Garlic's allicin is considered a powerful antimicrobial agent that, in combination with the vitamin C it contains, enhances its antibacterial action. Research published by the US National Institutes of Health. found that daily consumption of garlic reduced the number of colds by 63%, compared to a placebo, while another study found that daily consumption of 2.56 grams of garlic extract reduced the duration of colds by 61%.

–There are signs that it is taking the pressure off

Studies have found that garlic supplements have a significant impact on lowering blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. In one study, 600-1,500 mg of garlic extract was as effective as the drug Atenolol in lowering blood pressure over a 24-week period. According to the findings, supplement doses need to be high enough to have the desired effects. The amount needed is equivalent to about four cloves of garlic a day.

However, according to other research, garlic has only a mild effect on the regulation of high blood pressure, with its effect characterized as transient and limited. In short, the conclusions of clinical studies are contradictory and further research is needed.

– It has an antioxidant effect

Thanks to dozens of antioxidant bioflavonoids and the large amounts of selenium and vitamins A and C it contains, garlic stimulates the body's antioxidant shield.

– Enhances athletic performance

Garlic was one of the first anabolics in sports history. It was traditionally used in ancient cultures to reduce fatigue and enhance the performance of workers. In fact, athletes in ancient Greece also ate garlic before they took part in the Olympic Games.