1. Antibacterial and Antiviral
Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties. They
help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic
is thought to play a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like
E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.
2. Reduce Weight
Many researchers believe that obesity is a state of long-term, low-grade
inflammation. According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the
formation of fat cells in our body. Pre-adipocytes are converted into fat cells
(adipocytes) through inflammatory system activity. The anti-inflammatory
property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin) found in garlic may help inhibit this
conversion. This may help prevent weight gain.
3. Cancer Prevention
Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.
4. Lower Blood Pressure
Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels
contract, thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin in garlic blocks the
activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure. The
polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen
sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood vessels
and helps control blood pressure.
5. Heart Protection
Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks
and atherosclerosis. This cardio-protective property can be attributed to
various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch.
Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging
effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic
also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and slow the development
of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anti-clotting properties of
ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.
6. Reduce Cholesterol
7. Combat Allergies
Garlic is known to have anti-inflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies. The anti-arthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone. Garlic has been shown to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug bites.
8. Remedy for Respiratory Problems
Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc., make it a priceless medicine. Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.
9. Diabetes
Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.
10. Improve Iron Metabolism
