Sometimes known as the stinking rose, allium sativum or simply garlic is used in cooking around the globe in many different types of cuisines and it has been valued for its medicinal properties for over 7,000 years, both as a supplement and in its fresh form. It does, of course, have its down side and that is that it doesn’t do a lot for your breath, on the other hand, though, it is very good for keeping vampires out of your home. But, in addition to its ability to keep you safe from night time, cape wearing, predators, there are many other reasons why adding garlic to your food can be beneficial and here are ten of them:
1. It can prevent food poisoning
Garlic has strong anti-bacterial properties and some research has suggested that garlic can kill bacteria, such as salmonella, for example. We are not suggesting that you use garlic in your food instead of following basic food hygiene precautions, but its anti-bacterial properties are useful as an aid that can help your body’s immune system fight off disease and infection.
2. It reduces blood pressure
Eating garlic can reduce your blood pressure in two ways. Firstly, it blocks the activity of a substance called Angiotensin II, which can make your blood vessels contract and it also releases the hydrogen sulfide, which dilates the blood vessels.
3. Treats athlete’s foot
As well as its anti-bacterial properties, garlic has strong anti-fungal properties. If you are suffering from athlete’s foot, then you can either rub raw garlic directly onto the affected area or soak your foot in some garlic water to kill the fungal infection that causes athletes foot.
4. It protects your heart
Healthy heart is another one of health benefits of garlic. Garlic protects your heart in a number of different ways: it helps maintain the arteries ability to stretch as we get older, it slows the development of hardening of the arteries and the anticoagulant properties of garlic help to stop the formation of blood clots in the blood vessels.
5. Anti-inflammatory
Another one of health benefits of garlic is that garlic is very good at reducing inflammation. Taking internally, garlic can help boost your immune system and used topically, it will also help get rid of cold sores, acne, it can be used as a treatment for psoriasis and can even sooth toothaches if you place it on an aching tooth.
6. It fights allergies
It’s the anti-inflammatory properties that also make garlic a good treatment for allergies and allergic reactions. It has been shown to be effective in treating allergic airway inflammation and it can also be used directly on insect bites and stings.
7. It works as a natural insect repellent
It would appear that insects aren’t too keen on garlic and a study carried out India found that, mosquitos especially, hate garlic. If you don’t want to use chemical insect repellents, then use some fresh garlic instead.
8. Eases respiratory problems
Garlic can be useful in treating the symptoms of respiratory problems, such as asthma. Its antibacterial properties and its effectiveness as an expectorant, also make it a good treatment for the common cold.
9. It can help protect you against different types of cancer
Research has suggested that the regular consumption of garlic can reduce the risk of developing various types of cancers. The best way to reap the benefits that garlic has to offer is to eat it fresh though, ant not to use the supplements.
10. Removes splinters easily
Not exactly up there on the list of serious ailments, but if you apply a small sliver of garlic to a splinter and secure it with a sticking plaster, the garlic will quickly coax the splinter out of the skin.
Bonus beauty tip: You can use garlic as yellow nails remedy
Rub your nails with some freshly squeezed garlic juice once a week and soon, you’ll forget about yellow nails, because your nails will become strong and will look healthy.
Source: Beauty and Tips
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