Garlic is one of the most valuable and versatile foods on the planet. Garlic belongs to the Allium family of vegetables which also includes onions, chives, shallots and leeks. Garlic contains a range of compounds including “Allicin”, which is a pungent oily liquid that gives crushed garlic cloves their characteristic smell.
Garlic has many well-known health benefits – the most popular being its anti-infection uses. Skin conditions caused by bacteria, virus, fungi or yeast can be treated by rubbing raw chopped garlic on the affected area.
Garlic is great for boosting the immune system and because of its high potassium content, it can aid in absorption of essential nutrients, and help avoid digestive problems and fatigue as well. A daily garlic supplement reduces the risk of catching a cold by half. The researchers also discovered that even when those taking the supplement did develop a cold they were more likely to make a speedier recovery than the non-garlic taking volunteers. Garlic is also known to have antiviral properties, which helps the body fight against allergies.
Fresh or cooked garlic or 500 mg garlic capsules twice daily helps in lowering down the blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. It increases the levels of high density lipoproteins and reduces harmful cholesterol in the blood and keeps arteries and heart healthy. It thins the blood, reduces clotting and helps in controlling blood pressure and poor circulation. It acts as a nasal decongestant and expectorant and is also helpful for hum oral asthma, hysteria and scurvy.
Regular doses of garlic, as well as other pungent spices – such as hot peppers, black pepper, ginger, mustard, turmeric – help keep susceptible persons from developing debilitating chronic bronchitis, can treat clods, sinusitis and asthma, and keeps mucus moving normally through the lungs.
Garlic works as a cleanser of the digestive system, helps in curing flatulence, kills internal parasites and is an excellent internal antiseptic. Garlic is considered to regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the release of insulin in diabetics. Therefore an effective remedy is to take one capsule or tablet of garlic every day.
Garlic’s antibacterial, analgesic, and anesthetising properties can help cure toothaches. Simply put some garlic oil or a piece of crushed garlic clove directly onto the affected tooth and the gum for instant relief.