Widely used as a flavoring in cooking, garlic (Allium sativum) has been known for its therapeutic value for more than 5,000 years. In ancient Greece, it was given to Olympic athletes to increase their endurance. Today we will tell you about all the impressive benefits of consuming garlic crude that you didn’t know.
Numerous medical studies have demonstrated the benefits of eating garlic for health and well-being. I personally rely on raw garlic to ward off flu, cold and fever all year round, especially in the winter season. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I have been eating garlic every day since December 2019 when the first case of Covid-19 was identified in Wuhan, China.
I usually chop 2 to 3 cloves of garlic into small pieces and mix them with fresh fruits and vegetables for breakfast. You can also mix them with your meals for lunch or dinner. I have not had any colds, flu or fever in recent years as I have been eating garlic regularly. For its health benefits, do not cook or heat garlic as it will reduce the allicin content. Allicin is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance found in garlic.
Benefits of consuming raw garlic that you didn’t know
GARLIC REDUCES THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE AND BLOOD CLOTS
Clinical studies have shown that garlic reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Garlic reduces blood pressure in more than 80% of people who suffer from hypertension. It significantly reduces LDL cholesterol levels and slightly improves HDL cholesterol levels. HDL cholesterol is the good cholesterol that helps eliminate other forms of cholesterol from our body. High levels of LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Eating garlic daily helps prevent hardening of the arteries while improving blood circulation and reducing the risk of heart disease. Studies also showed that garlic reduces the risk of blood clots.
For those who strongly dislike the smell of raw garlic, adding fresh lemon or lime juice to minced garlic before mixing it with food helps reduce the smell.
GARLIC HELPS PREVENT CANCER
Garlic contains powerful bioactive compounds with anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that cancer cells are sensitive to garlic. Garlic protects the body’s cells from free radicals and reduces DNA damage, therefore helping to prevent the development of cancer cells. A study in China involving 709 men, of whom 238 had been affected by prostate cancer, showed that eating garlic 10 g or more a day helps reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Cancer weakens the body’s immune system. Garlic’s ability to boost the body’s immune system may help increase the survival rate among cancer patients. However, anyone who is taking prescription medications should consult their doctor before eating raw garlic regularly. Garlic detoxifies the body and, as a result, can reduce the effectiveness of medications.
GARLIC REDUCES INSULIN RESISTANCE
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance, which causes high blood sugar levels in the body. Garlic has been reported to improve the body’s sensitivity to insulin, therefore, it is very beneficial for those suffering from type 2 diabetes.
People of South Asian, Chinese and African origin have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In addition to genetic conditions, being overweight or over 40 years of age increases the risk of type 2 diabetes. If you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes Eating raw garlic regularly helps reduce the risk.
GARLIC PROTECTS OUR BODY FROM TOXIC CHEMICALS
The liver is a vital organ that filters blood and detoxifies our body. Eliminates toxic chemicals from the blood. Several studies showed the potential use of garlic to protect the liver from toxic substances. Although the exact mechanism is not yet fully understood, eating raw garlic helps protect our body from toxic chemicals.
GARLIC STIMULATES THE BODY’S IMMUNE SYSTEM
Our body is constantly exposed to harmful microorganisms from both external and internal sources, including coronaviruses. In healthy individuals, these microorganisms may not be dangerous. However, in people with a weak immune system, these pathogens can easily cause infections and cause inflammation in the body. Inflammation is part of the body’s defense mechanism to fight infection.
Studies have shown that garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and antiviral properties that help boost the body’s immune system. Regular consumption of garlic helps reduce the risk of infection. Eating raw garlic helps prevent diseases. According to several studies, garlic helps prevent infection from the common cold virus known as coronavirus. Again, for its health benefits, garlic should be eaten raw. Even with the widespread availability of Covid-19 vaccines, it is crucial that everyone has a strong immune system to avoid becoming seriously ill with Covid-19.