Garlic is a common ingredient used in many ethnic dishes, particularly in Italian and Asian cuisine. It is a member of the onion family, related to plants such as the shallot and leek. Ranging from cardiovascular health to your ability to fight off diseases, fresh garlic cloves can provide many health benefits, even as they boost the flavor of your spaghetti sauce.
Cardiovascular Benefits
According to Dr. C. Gary Hullquist in his book "Garlic: Nature's Perfect Prescription," eating garlic every day can help to lower your overall cholesterol level. Specifically, garlic helps to lower levels of the unhealthy type of cholesterol, or LDL, while raising levels of the good cholesterol, or HDL. Eating just a half clove every day can help to protect your heart. It can help to lower your blood pressure and possibly help to break up blood clots. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that consuming garlic may help to prevent atherosclerosis, a buildup of plaque in your arteries that can cause a stroke or heart attack.
Immune System Benefits
According to Dr. Hullquist, numerous studies have shown that garlic has a beneficial effect on the immune system. Garlic is an antioxidant that helps to fight free radical damage on your body. It may have the ability to combat cancerous tumor cells and also help to strengthen the overall working of the immune system. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people who eat raw or cooked garlic on a regular basis seem less likely to develop some types of cancer, including colon, breast, prostate and stomach cancers.
Antiviral
Garlic may have antiviral and antiseptic properties that can help to fight infections caused by bacteria and viruses, according to the George Mateljan Foundation's World's Healthiest Foods website. It may help in preventing the formation of stomach ulcers, although further research in this area is still needed. In World War I and World War II, soldiers ate garlic to prevent gangrene, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Folk Remedies
Many folk remedies promote the use of garlic to fight disorders including athlete's foot, asthma, coughs, congestion and fevers. Most of these supposed cures have no medical basis. However, according to Earth Clinic, one such remedy reported to be used by the 12th century German Christian mystic Hildegarde von Bingen involves simmering garlic in boiling water for 20 minutes and then drinking this water to fight certain bronchial problems. Many cultures still use this remedy today to combat common respiratory ailments.
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