“You are what you eat” is a common expression to highlight that you are only as healthy as the food you consume. Here, we will discuss the benefits of eating garlic. Beyond smelly people with a nasty aftertaste, lies a world of benefits related to the healthy properties of garlic.
Medical
Garlic comes from the Allium (onion) family. It is grown in various parts of the globe and is a renowned ingredient due to the delicious taste which makes it a welcome addition in different dishes. Although it is now mostly used as a culinary ingredient, in ancient times, its use was mainly for health and medical purposes.
Garlic contains very little calories and is rich in vitamin C, therefore it is a useful fighter against the common cold. Apart from reducing the probability of catching a cold, it is ideal in reducing the timespan you spend sick.
Apart from such minor illnesses, the active compounds found within garlic are ideal to combat blood pressure.
Blood pressure is one of the main drivers of some of the world’s biggest killers such as heart attacks and stroke. In addition to this, garlic is also a fighter against cholesterol which is also a leading killer.
The Bones: Yes, garlic may also improve the health of bones. Recent studies indicate that garlic increases estrogen in women, which is beneficial for the minimisation of bone loss.
The antioxidants within garlic may also help to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. These antioxidants are vital in protecting cells against damage and ageing.
Supplement
Garlic is also associated with optimised athletic performance and was used in ancient times to enhance the work capacity of labourers. It is also suggested that fatigues caused by exercise can be reduced with garlic intake.
Detoxifying
Another use for garlic is that it cleanses and detoxifies the heavy metals in the body, and it protects against organ damage. A study conducted on employees at a car battery plant who had excessive exposure to lead, found that it reduced lead levels in the blood significantly.
Garlic is very easy to include in your diet and complements meats, soups and sauces seamlessly. Its strong taste can be used to accompany plain recipes. It comes in various forms, it can be consumed raw, cooked, as a supplement and also oil.
Maltese bread, extra virgin olive oil, salt, garlic and tomatoes are absolutely divine!
