Eat Garlic for Good Health

Garlic has been used for thousands of years as a natural cure and preventive measure for countless diseases. Today, science is still uncovering all the benefits of this pungent substance. Read on for new findings and ways to incorporate garlic into your everyday diet!

Heart and Blood

Numerous studies have tested and favored the benefits of garlic on the cardiovascular system. Along with lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, garlic can also decrease blood pressure. Experts believe that garlic is able to improve blood pressure by relaxing the arteries and easing spasms that can occur in the smaller arteries. Additionally, garlic seems to inhibit platelet stickiness and encourages a drop in blood coagulation.

Digestion

The anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties of garlic may help you combat unwelcome microorganisms and parasites in the intestines. Other anti-microbial benefits might include garlic's ability to fight yeast infections; it is thought to have some of the same power as penicillin, without creating the antibiotic-resistant superbugs that penicillin has. Beyond working against parasites and infections, garlic can also help to reduce nausea and gas.

Cancer

A 2000 issue of the American Journal of Nutrition published a number of epidemiological studies that found garlic can improve cases of stomach cancer. Study participants were split into two groups, one of which ate raw garlic on a regular basis, and the other only took garlic now and then or never. The experimental groups that consistently consumed garlic lowered their stomach cancer risk by half, and also decreased colorectal cancer risk by one third.

Carcinogens are substances that are known to increase cancer risk, and are often taken into the body through burnt (blackened) foods like meat. It is now suggested that meat cooked at high temperatures, but with the application of garlic, will have fewer amounts of carcinogens than meat burnt without garlic.

Enjoy Garlic Every Day

The benefits don't stop there. Garlic might be able to ease shortness of breath, ear infections, acne, and toothaches, just to name a few.

So be generous with this potent super food in your diet. Since the health benefits are most available to you when you eat garlic in its raw, natural form, rather than through a supplement, try to incorporate it into your everyday meals. If you don't have the time to peel and chop whole cloves, consider picking up a jar of minced garlic or a try a kitchen tool that minces the garlic for you. The small pieces are just right for adding to casseroles, stir fry, soup, salads, and meat dishes. Spice it up!

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