The Healing Benefits Of Garlic

For thousands of years, garlic has been touted for its healing properties. The results of more than 1200 pharmacological studies show that garlic, indeed, has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal properties, according to Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., certified nutrition specialist and author of "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth."

A vegetable in the same family as onions, leeks, scallions and chives, garlic contains sulfur, arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids and selenium. Crushing or chopping a garlic clove causes a reaction between the amino acid aliin and the enzyme alinase to create allicin, the bioactive compound most attributed to garlic's numerous health benefits as well as its characteristic flavor and scent.

Be sure to consult your physician before using garlic as a health treatment.

Cancer Prevention

Several studies cited by the National Cancer Institute show that consuming garlic can help reduce the risk of cancer, particularly stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, intestinal, prostate and breast.The question is whether garlic is effective on its own or because it's combined with other nutrients. However, garlic's antibacterial and cell-protecting properties give it high marks. According to the National Cancer Institute, the World Health Organization recommends eating one clove a day, the equivalent of 2 to 5 mg of allicin, as cancer prevention.

Healthy Cholesterol and Blood Pressure Levels

According to MayoClinic.com, several studies report that garlic can lower "bad" cholesterol and blood pressure as well as help prevent blood clots, all of which are good for a healthy heart. Since garlic has been also shown to thin the blood, use with caution, especially if you are taking anticoagulants.

Immune System Boost

Allcin's antibacterial properties come in handy for preventing the common cold, according to a study cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center. In fact, garlic is sometimes known as a natural antibiotic. The best time to take garlic is when you experience a cold's early symptoms. One ancient remedy involves simmering quartered, chopped garlic cloves in water for an hour, then straining the water and sipping slowly. The garlic juice helps dissolve mucous, according to EarthClinic.com.

Comfort for Wounds

World War I soldiers relied on the anti-fungal properties of garlic to keep wounds from getting infected, according to EarthClinic.com. Garlic may help athlete's foot, warts and warding off insects, according to MayoClinic.com. For a toothache, some crushed garlic may offer relief. Be sure you are not allergic to garlic before applying to your body, as direct application may cause a skin rash.