Benefits of Garlic

All the parts of garlic are edible and in fact, good for health. It is safe to eat any part of the garlic pod and it can be taken in any form. Garlic is considered to be one of the healthiest foods available. It does have a pungent odor and it is also known for causing bad breath due to its strong odor, however its health benefits far exceed this disadvantage. Garlic is known to have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. It helps to control the levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. It restricts platelet stickiness and enhances fibrinolysis. It is also known to have anti-hypertensive and antioxidant properties. Garlic is very effective in fighting parasites that spread in the intestines. It is anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal in nature, and hence inhibits the growth of microorganisms that cause infection. As such it is very effective in the treatment of yeast infections as well.

Studies have shown that the risk of developing stomach cancer is considerably reduced in individuals who take raw garlic daily. Another important fact to be noted is that while cooking meat, if garlic is added and the meat is burnt to a slight extent, it produces fewer carcinogenic compounds. Blood pressure levels are also controlled through garlic intake. Those with high blood pressure are often advised to increase their intake of garlic through the diet. Garlic helps to reduce the spasms of arteries and helps to relax them. It also eases nausea, gas and breathlessness due to problems of the digestive tract. It aids digestion by stimulating the production of digestive juices and helps in waste elimination from the body. Infections of the stomach and colon are easily treated through garlic consumption. Garlic capsules are usually recommended for those suffering from dysentery, diarrhea and other intestinal problems. Garlic also helps to control blood sugar levels and as such forms an important part of the diet of those affected by diabetes.

Skin conditions are greatly relieved through the use of garlic. A raw clove of garlic can be rubbed on pimples to reduce them. Acne breakout also can be controlled by applying garlic juice to the affected areas. Garlic may also be consumed internally as it has a purifying effect on the bloodstream, this helps in maintaining the proper health of the body, including the skin. Syrup prepared from garlic is a popular remedy for relieving whooping cough. Congestion of the chest may also be alleviated by applying an ointment made from garlic on the chest.

answered by G M

Although from your question it is not quite clear which part of garlic exactly you are talking about, on the whole no part of garlic is considered unsafe for consumption. So, the garlic juice you have made should be safe for consumption. There should not be any adverse effect of the garlic juice, unless you are on some prescribed drugs which prohibit you from consuming garlic.

While we are at it, let us also get some idea about the benefits of garlic. Garlic, which is a member of the onion family, has a lot of useful qualities. First and foremost, garlic has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and can effectively fight against these infections. Garlic can provide relief in common cold and infections of throat, mouth, and ear. Regular consumption of garlic, therefore, can boost your body's immunity considerably. Garlic is also known to control cholesterol level and high blood pressure. Studies show that garlic has the capacity to control blood cholesterol level and arterial plaque formation. Garlic also has the reputation of controlling hypertension or high blood pressure, although there seems to be no conclusive proof to support the claim. There are also claims, though not completely substantiated, that garlic can be used to treat cancer. Some studies suggest that regular consumption of raw or cooked garlic can help reduce carcinogen formation in the body. There are many other ways garlic can be beneficial to the body. It is considered to reduce the blood sugar level, help expel mucus from the body, relieve congestion of chest, and in some cases may also help fight infections in AIDS patients.

Garlic (cooked or raw) can be consumed orally with regular food and can also be applied directly on the body. You can make juice or soup of garlic, chop garlic and use as salad dressing, and can also consume the whole clove. In some cases, like insect bite, skin infection, or rashes, you can apply crushed garlic and its juice directly on the affected part of the body.

While garlic cannot be used as a substitute to the regular medicines of treating high cholesterol, hypertension, or cancer, garlic can be consumed to derive some benefits. And the best thing is that being a natural food, it does not affect the body in any adverse way. So, consuming garlic can benefit the body in more than one way. The taste and smell of raw garlic may put you off, but considering the multiple benefits of garlic that seems to be minor disadvantage.

answered by M W