Secret Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is a great, flavorful seasoning for food, but it may actually improve your health! Learn more.
Since Ancient Egypt, garlic (Allium sativum) has long been used to not only add zest to food, but for its remarkable preventative, and healing properties. Check out this list of the health benefits of garlic:
Health Benefits of Garlic
- Lowers Blood Pressure: Garlic is one of the world’s oldest medicinal plants. There is some evidence that using adequate amounts of this so-called “stinking rose” may be effective in lowering blood pressure and possibly cholesterol levels. Start with one clove daily.
- Mosquito Repellent: there are some studies that suggest that garlic keeps mosquitoes from biting. While there are skeptics out there, it may not hurt to take a garlic supplement or eat a garlic-filled meal before heading out to mosquito country.
- Immune Support. Garlic, when crushed and eaten raw, is a great source of selenium, germanium and sulfhydryl amino acid (a form of sulfur), which assists in proper immune function. This natural antibiotic is an effective treatment for candidiasis, colitis, urinary tract infection, bronchitis, and pneumonia.
- Shortens Cold and Flu. Modern studies have shown that garlic is similar to a powerful antibiotic. Many people take garlic during cold and flu season to help their bodies stay healthy. The key here is to take the garlic before a cold because it will help fight the cold but won’t cure it.
Raw or in Tablet Form?
In general, raw is better. A stronger tasting clove of garlic has more sulfur content and more medicinal value. Some people have suggested that organically grown garlic tends towards a higher sulfur level thus a greater benefit to health.
If you don’t like the taste of garlic or garlic breath, you can take garlic supplements.
As with any medicine, always check with your doctor first and tell your doctor if you are taking garlic on a daily basis.
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Awesome illustration and period for planting:)