Used for centuries as both a food and medicine, garlic offers a variety of health benefits to people of all ages and lifestyles. The rhizome, or bulb, of this pungent-smelling plant contains potent medicinal compounds that may help to treat or prevent several common ailments. Although garlic's benefits do not apply exclusively to men, its health-boosting effects are even more important to males than to females. Consult your health care provider before taking nutritional supplements or eating unusually large amounts of garlic.
Cardiovascular Support
The American Heart Association notes that men are much more likely than women to suffer from cardiovascular disease. According to the AHA, men are more likely than women to have heart attacks, and they tend to have them earlier in life. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, garlic can help to decrease "bad" cholesterol levels, increase "good" cholesterol levels, improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. All of these factors can help to minimize your chances of experiencing a serious cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke. Regular supplementation with garlic, and its inclusion in a balanced diet, can work to prevent life-threatening heart diseases.
Cancer
The Centers for Disease Control reports that, each year, 700,000 men are diagnosed with cancer in the United States. Roughly 40 percent of these men die. Fortunately, a healthy lifestyle may help to prevent some forms of cancer, including those that primarily affect men. According to the UMMC, garlic appears to reduce the risk of prostate, throat, colon and stomach cancers among men. These findings are very encouraging, but it is important to note that they are still inconclusive. Garlic cannot replace the role of a healthy lifestyle for cancer prevention.
Immune Support
Regular garlic intake may support overall immune function. MedlinePlus reports that garlic may reduce the severity of upper-respiratory infections such as the common cold. Garlic also exhibits anti-fungal activity when applied directly to the skin; it may help to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch. MedlinePlus also acknowledges garlic's traditional use as a treatment for bronchiolitis, ear infections, pneumonia, whooping cough and HIV. However, no studies have evaluated garlic's use as a cure for these conditions. Always abide by your health care provider's recommendations when seeking holistic medication for any disease or condition.
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