It’s so much more than just a delicious addition…
Garlic is in just about every complex savory meal and dish on the planet. Look in a cookbook, and you’ll find garlic (or onions) in some form or another in a large majority of the recipes. This is because garlic is an excellent “base” flavor, upon which all of the other flavors can be built.
But garlic is more than only flavor–it’s also AMAZING for your health! Here are a few of the health benefits of garlic you need to know about:
- Boost immunity — Thanks to the antibacterial and antiviral properties of garlic, your immune system will be a whole lot stronger! The compounds in garlic help to keep infections at bay, and may even be powerful enough to kill off the stronger, more harmful bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella.
- Reduces clotting –– Garlic contains ajoene, a compound with anti-clotting properties. Garlic can help to reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems, though it may increase your risk of excessive bleeding after surgery.
- Improve skin health –– Got acne, psoriasis, or other skin problems? Try a bit of garlic, and see if they don’t clear up? Thanks to the antibacterial properties of garlic, you can deal with your skin infections the natural way. It doesn’t matter if it’s caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites, garlic will get rid of it!
- Controls blood pressure — Garlic will help you to keep your blood pressure levels stable and healthy, thanks to the antioxidant allicin. Allicin stops your body from producing the protein that increases your blood pressure, and the polysulphies in garlic will dilate (expand) your blood vessels, thereby improving circulation.
- Lower cholesterol levels –– To keep your cholesterol in check, eat more garlic. Allicin helps to control your cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and can reduce your risk of arterial plaque forming.
READ MORE: Pasta With Garlic Pesto & Fresh Peas
- Improve heart health –– Garlic is definitely a heart-smart food, thanks to the antioxidants and minerals it contains. For example, sulfur will stop cholesterol from hardening, and will reduce the risk of atherosclerosis. The compounds in garlic can protect your heart from free radical damage, maintain the elasticity of your blood vessels, and reduce clots.
- Protect against colds/flus –– Not only will garlic improve your immune system, but it can help to protect you specifically against colds and the flu. The antiviral properties of garlic will reduce colds, both the number and frequency.
- Combat allergies –– How can garlic help you deal with allergies? Garlic helps to reduce the inflammation in your airways that sets in as a result of allergic reactions to pollen, dust, and other allergens. If you experience a negative (allergic) reaction to bug bites, rubbing a piece of garlic onto the bite can help to combat the itching.
- Fight cancer — Want to reduce your risk of developing cancer? Eat more garlic! Garlic contains allyl sulfides, which will protect your body against cancer. Diallyl sulfide stops your body from producing a certain compound that has been linked to higher incidences of breast cancer.
- Improve your sex life –– It’s hard to believe that garlic can help you to have better sex, but it’s absolutely true! Garlic is a natural aphrodisiac, and it will help to increase your natural circulation. The more blood that flows through your body, the easier it is for your sex organs to receive the blood flow they need. Plus, that boost in circulation will increase sex hormone production and even improve the strength of your orgasms!
