The bulb of the garlic plant offers several interrelated benefits for overall human health. According to the American Heart Association, garlic cloves contain sulfur-based compounds also found in onions, leeks, shallots and chives. These pungent-smelling molecules may help to prevent or treat several common ailments. If you are interested in the health benefits of garlic, you can increase your intake of this life-sustaining food by including garlic cloves in every meal. Consult a physician or dietitian before making any radical changes to your dietary habits.
Cardiovascular Support
Garlic cloves with each meal may help to protect the heart and arteries from several serious conditions. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, people who ingest garlic experience a slight reduction in levels of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad," cholesterol. Garlic is also associated with a decrease in total cholesterol levels and an increase in high-density lipoprotein, or "good," cholesterol levels. The UMMC also indicates that garlic can reduce blood pressure and inhibit the aggregation, or clumping, of blood cells. Although these findings are not entirely conclusive, they suggest that regular garlic ingestion can help to prevent life-threatening cardiovascular episodes, such as heart attack and stroke.
Cancer Prevention
People who eat garlic regularly have lower-than-average cancer rates, according to the UMMC. Garlic's immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties appear to prevent the formation of several types of cancer, particularly those affecting the stomach, colon and rectum. According to the UMMC, people who eat large amounts of garlic experience a one-third reduction in colorectal cancer rates. Compounds in garlic can also prevent and inhibit breast and prostate cancers, and may help to reduce the side effects associated with chemotherapy. It is unclear if other members of the garlic family offer protection against cancer.
Immune Support
Allicin, the primary active constituent of garlic clove, exhibits antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, according to the UMMC. As part of a healthy diet, garlic may help to defend against infectious diseases. The National Institutes of Health reports that garlic may speed recovery from upper-respiratory tract infections, fungal infections and cryptococcal meningitis. The UMMC additionally acknowledges garlic's role as a treatment for the common cold. During cold season, people taking garlic supplements experience fewer viral infections than people taking a placebo. They also recovered from colds more quickly and experienced more mild symptoms.
Member Comments