Garlic

“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food“

Those are famous words from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine. He actually used to prescribe garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions.

There is something irresistible about the aroma of roasted garlic. It is so captivating with its powerful notes, that it has long been used as a flavour booster in curries, stir-fries, pizza toppings, pastas, meat preparations, dips – you name it! It has the power to instantly liven up any dish and treat some of the most common ailments. Every 100 grams of garlic will serve you with close to 150 calories, 33 grams of carbs, 6.36 grams of protein. Garlic is also enriched with Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, Vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and zinc.

Here are 11 health benefits of ginger supported by scientific research:

1. The Blood Purifier

Suffer from ache? Tackle the root cause of acne by purifying your blood from inside to get healthy skin on the outside. Garlic will help to cleanse your system and flush out toxins.

2. Cold and Flu

Garlic helps provide relief from that stubborn cold and flu. It is not only going to relieve a stuffed nose and cure the cold but also build your immunity against these frequent visitors over time.

3. Improves Cholesterol Levels and Prevents Heart Disease

Consuming garlic on a daily basis (in food or raw) helps to lower cholesterol levels because of the anti-oxidant properties of Allicin. It is also immensely beneficial to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is essential to remember that the sulphur-containing compound Allicin tends to lose its medicinal properties when garlic is cooked whole. It is imperative to consume garlic raw or semi-cooked to derive any of its benefits.

4. Anti-bacterial and Anti-parasitic

Garlic is one of the best kept medicinal treasures of the past era – it has been used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections for the last 7,000 years. Studies suggest diluted garlic extract helps children with tapeworm infections. A garlic-based mouthwash may not sound like fresh, minty breath but a very small quantity of its extracts is sufficient to ward off cavity-causing bacteria.

5. Cancer Prevention

Several studies have indicated an association between daily consumption of garlic and prevention of stomach and colorectal cancers. It is said to strengthen the immunity of the body against cancer.

6. For Skin and Hair

The invigorating properties of garlic protect the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow down the depletion of collagen which leads to loss of elasticity in aging skin. Applied topically, garlic does wonders to skin infected with fungal infections and  provides relief from skin ailments like eczema. It is also an effective remedy for fungal infections like athlete’s foot and ringworms.

All of us know about the wonders of onion for hair but its brother, garlic is no less of a hero for your thinning mane. Well, its surprise time. Rubbing crushed garlic extract on your scalp or massaging with garlic-infused oil is known to prevent and even reverse hair loss.

7. Garlic Contains a Compound Called Allicin, Which Has Potent Medicinal Properties
8. Garlic Is Highly Nutritious, But Has Very Few Calories
9. The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure
10. Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
11. Garlic May Improve Bone Health

Caution

1. Asthmapatients should not consume garlic as it may have side-effects.
2. Garlic should be avoided before surgeries or medical operations.
3. Do not consume more than 2-3 garlic cloves in a day without consulting a doctor.

Credit: Joe Leech https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic and https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/powerhouse-of-medicine-and-flavour-surprising-health-benefits-of-garlic-1200468