Healthline.com talks about how the Egyptians, Babylonians, Greeks, and other major civilizations liked to use garlic for its medicinal properties. Healthline says:
Scientists now know that most of its health benefits are caused by sulfur compounds formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed or chewed.
Garlic is native to Siberia but thousands of years ago when it became more popular it began to spread to other parts of the world and pretty soon became an essential part of numerous meals. In fact, Webmd.com says:
Garlic is most commonly used for conditions related to the heart and blood system. These conditions include high blood pressure, high levels of cholesterol or other fats in the blood, and hardening of the arteries.
Personally, I love to add garlic to almost anything. The nice thing about it as a compound that provides healing properties is that it is so tasteful and so easily added to your food and lifestyle. Health.clevelandclinic.com claims:
Boosts immunity: Who knew boosting your immunity can be as simple as eating more garlic? According to one study involving 41,000 middle-aged women, those who routinely ate garlic, fruits and vegetables had a 35% lower colon cancer risk. Keep in mind that benefits came from raw and cooked garlic – not supplements.
2. Works as an anti-inflammatory: Research has shown that garlic oil works as an anti-inflammatory. If you have sore and inflamed joints or muscles, rub them with the oil. The Arthritis Foundation even recommends it to help prevent cartilage damage from arthritis.
3. Improves cardiovascular health: Research indicates that it can have a positive impact on your arteries and blood pressure. Researchers believe red blood cells turn the sulfur in garlic into hydrogen sulfide gas that expands our blood vessels, making it easier to regulate blood pressure. The good news is that you may be able to put your blood pressure medication away, so consult with your doctor if adding more garlic to your diet could be helpful for you.
4. Gives you better hair and skin: Garlic’s antioxidants and antibacterial properties can clear up your skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. One study shows rubbing raw garlic over pimples can clear them away. Be aware, though, that it could cause a burning sensation on your skin. Consult with your dermatologist first before putting acne on your skin if you are using any other products, too.
5. Protects your food: Those same antibacterial properties in fresh garlic can kill the bacteria that lead to food poisoning, including salmonella and E.coli. Don’t use garlic as a substitute for proper food sanitation and food handling, though.
6. Treat athlete’s foot: Garlic also fights fungus. If you have athlete’s foot, soak your feet in garlic water or rub raw garlic on your feet to attack the itch-causing fungus.
Fun fact, since I played many sports in high school, one of the things I did was up my intake of garlic. This I believe really helped prevent athletes’ foot and other possible fungal bacterias from building up. Overall it is not a bad thing to add a dash to your diet and see if it provides you with more benefits than you possibly thought! A Happy You is a Healthy You
