Health related benefits of Garlic - By: Rachel Broune

Garlic health benefits and medicinal properties have long been known. Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore for preventing everything from the common cold and flu to the Plague. There are two main medical ingredients which produce the garlic health benefits: allicin and diallyl sulphides.

Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement but the garlic cure is no substitute for the basics: sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Garlic should be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle - not as an alternative to it. Always consult your doctor first regarding any medical condition.

Scientists have also looked at the role garlic plays in helping prevent the formation of blood clots. A review of recent clinical trials, published in the Journal of Hypertension, showed that taking garlic tablets cut volunteers' blood pressure by between one and five per cent.

Regular amounts of garlic seems to also help the body fight off infections. These antibacterial effects were first discovered in the early 19th century during an outbreak of infectious fever.

Garlic lowers total cholesterol (but raise the good-type HDL cholesterol)

It produces more "natural killer" cells in the blood that will tackle infections and tumours.

It lowers blood pressure.

Reduce the risk of blood clots (that are responsible for most heart attacks and strokes)

Destroys infection causing viruses and bacteria.

Reduce the risk of certain cancers, in particular, stomach cancers.

Many studies showed that the organic ingredient of garlic, allyl sulfur, another active ingredient in garlic, are effective in inhibiting or preventing cancer development.

Garlic health benefits and medicinal properties have long been known. One reason for garlic's beneficial effects may be its ability to lessen the amount of free radicals present in the bloodstream.

Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement but the garlic cure is no substitute for the basics: sensible eating and appropriate exercise. While garlic is gathering a reputation for helping to maintain a healthy heart, regular amounts of garlic seems to also help the body fight off infections.

Although garlic may not always bring good luck, protect against evil or ward off vampires, it is guaranteed to transform any meal into a bold, aromatic and healthy culinary experience.

The power to boost hydrogen sulfide production may help explain why a garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers, including breast, prostate and colon cancer. The garlic is an excellent source of manganese, a very good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C and a good source of selenium.
The most potent active constituent in garlic, allicin, has been shown to not only lower blood pressure, insulin and triglycerides in laboratory animals fed a fructose (sugar)-rich diet, but also to prevent weight gain.

Garlic helps to prevent blood clots from forming, thus reducing the possibility of strokes and thromboses. Garlic supplements will further thin your blood. Many of these randomized studies showed positive benefits of garlic in heart disease: in particular, lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol.
Garlic can cause indigestion, but for many, the bigger concern is that it can make your breath and sweat smell like garlic.

About the Author

Rachel Broune writes articles for herbs and alternative medicines . He also writes for home remedies and skin diseases .

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Rachel-Broune/16380

Additional Articles From - Home | Food & beverage | Cooking