Image Credit:Donovan Govan
Eating garlic may not make you socially more acceptable, but it could make you healthier. There’s a reason why garlic is such a popular culinary herb. It adds incredible flavor to food – especially Italian dishes, but, unfortunately, the potent sulfur compounds leave a lingering mouth odor. Even so, garlic has its perks from a health standpoint. What are the benefits of eating garlic?
Health Benefits of Eating Garlic: It’s Good for the Heart
Fresh garlic is an excellent source of allicin, a compound which causes release of hydrogen sulfide – the chemical that gives rotten eggs their bad odor. Fortunately, it does good things for the vessels that carry blood to the heart by causing them to open up so they can carry greater amounts of blood and oxygen to the heart.
There’s even evidence in rats that the hydrogen sulfide in garlic can reduce heart damage from lack of oxygen – similar to what would be seen with a heart attack. The “relaxation” effect of garlic on blood vessels also helps to lower blood pressure – another benefit for the heart.
Compounds found in garlic also help to prevent platelet clumping – a situation that can lead to a heart attack or stroke. In this way, garlic acts as a natural blood thinner. This is why garlic compounds should be used with caution in people who are taking prescription blood thinners or aspirin.
On a less optimistic note, recent studies show that garlic isn’t as effective for lowering cholesterol levels - as was previously thought.
To Get the Health Benefits of Eating Garlic, Eat It Fresh
How much do you need to get these heart healthy benefits? About two gloves of garlic a day. It’s important to buy fresh garlic cloves rather than garlic powder since processed, powdered garlic doesn’t have the same degree of benefits. When possible, eat it raw since heat destroys some of the benefits of eating garlic.
Other Health Benefits of Eating Garlic
Garlic has both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and is a good source of vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Some observational research suggests that eating garlic may lower the risk of certain types of cancers, but there have been few good studies done on humans to prove or disprove this.
The Bottom Line?
Adding fresh garlic to dishes not only adds flavor, but health benefits as well. Ideally, use it raw - or heat it only minimally. Use powdered garlic only when you’re pressed for time.
References:
Physorg.com. “Garlic Boosts Hydrogen Sulfide to Relax Arteries”
World’s Healthiest Foods website.
The copyright of the article, "The Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic," in "Interesting Health Articles" is owned by Dr.Kristie Leong M.D. Permission to republish this article in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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