Garlic is an herb best known for flavoring food with a pungent and distinct taste. Garlic has also been used over the years for medicinal purposes because of its antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant, it neutralizes free radicals that may cause damage to the body. Therefore, garlic plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of numerous health conditions. While garlic is natural, it may cause negative side effects in some individuals.
Cardiovascular Disease
Regular garlic consumption will help decrease your risk of developing heart disease. There are many risk factors related to cardiovascular disease. Garlic is instrumental in the prevention of such risk factors. Garlic may help to prevent hypertension, heart attack, atherosclerosis, blood clots and hardening of the arteries. As an antioxidant, garlic can prevent damage to the cardiovascular system.
Cancer
Eating garlic as part of a healthy diet may strengthen the immune system, helping the body to fight off infection. Garlic, therefore, has been reported to have anti-cancer properties. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, individuals who consumed raw or cooked garlic in their diet regularly were less likely to develop specific kinds of cancer. Colon and stomach cancers have been shown to be prevented in part by garlic intake. More research is needed to determine whether garlic is effective in reducing the risk of breast, prostate and laryngeal cancers. Garlic supplements have not shown the same results as consuming raw or cooked garlic.
High Blood Pressure
According to Medline Plus, garlic can significantly reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure by as much as 7 to 8 percent. While the greatest decrease has occurred in individuals with high blood pressure, those with normal blood pressure levels also experienced a decline. Garlic powder was shown to be most effective when used for the purpose of reducing blood pressure levels. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease.
High Cholesterol
The University of Maryland Medical Center states that garlic consumption may decrease yet another cardiovascular disease risk factor, high cholesterol. Garlic may help decrease low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol while raising high-density lipoproteins. More research is needed to document the effectiveness of garlic in lowering triglyceride levels, as there has been conflicting evidence.
Common Cold
Research also suggests that garlic may reduce the frequency and duration of the common cold. Eating garlic or taking garlic supplements resulted in significantly lower colds per year. In addition, symptoms of the common cold were not as severe and dissipated more quickly in those taking garlic.
Gastrointestinal Distress
The most common side effects of consuming garlic on a regular basis are not considered serious, but bothersome. These side effects tend to affect the gastrointestinal system and include heartburn or indigestion, gas, nausea, sweating, garlicky breath or body odor, vomiting, mouth irritation or burning and diarrhea. These symptoms are most commonly experienced when consuming raw garlic. While odorless garlic supplements are available, they may not contain adequate amounts of garlic to provide any health benefits.
Serious Complications
More serious side effects can occur, including gastrointestinal bleeding, hemorrhagic stroke or an allergic reaction. Unusual bruising or bleeding; black, tarry stools; bright red blood in the stools; or vomiting of blood are signs of gastrointestinal bleeding. Signs of bleeding within the brain, also known as hemorrhagic stroke, include vision or speech changes; weakness or numbness of the arms or legs; and severe headaches. Some people may be naturally allergic to garlic. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itching, unexplained rash, wheezing, unexplained swelling and difficulty breathing or swallowing. Experiencing any of these symptoms is serious and may warrant consulting a physician and stopping the use of garlic.
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