Garlic has been used for centuries to add flavor to food and the benefits are well-known. It is a natural antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral agent.

It is good at reducing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and diabetes risk. Eating garlic also improves an overall healthy immune system in the body.

Below are some health benefits of garlic.

Antibacterial, Antifungal, And Antiviral Properties

It has been shown to be good for reducing cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and diabetes risk.

As mentioned above, garlic has long been used in cooking. Nowadays though, people are turning to garlic for its health benefits. For example, by eating garlic you can promote an overall healthy immune system in the body. Also, garlic contains allicin which acts as an antioxidant that kills bacteria or viruses. The best way to get these benefits is to eat raw garlic cloves daily with meals to see the full effects of this antibiotic food.

Reduces Cholesterol Levels

Garlic is a natural cholesterol reducer. In a study conducted by the University of Tehran, researchers found that garlic was able to lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels. The study included 240 patients who had high cholesterol and were divided into groups. One group was given raw garlic, one group was given cloves of raw garlic, and one group was given a placebo capsule with no garlic. The patients were monitored for 4 months. Those who were given raw garlic or cloves of raw garlic saw their LDL levels drop from an average of 210 to 160 mg/dL.

In another study by the National Cancer Institute, it was found that those who consumed at least one clove per day had significantly lower cholesterol levels than those who did not consume garlic at all. In fact, those who consumed at least one clove per day had an average of 14 percent less total cholesterol and 17% less LDL cholesterol than those who did not consume any garlic at all.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Garlic is a natural blood pressure reducer due to their chemical compound, allicin. Allicin reduces the production of nitric oxide in the body, thus lowering blood pressure.

It’s important to note that you have to crush the garlic cloves in order for the production of allicin. Eat raw garlic or take a garlic supplement with at least 400mg of allicin for maximum results.

Helps Reduce Diabetes Risk

Research has shown that garlic can be effective at reducing diabetes risk, which is a leading cause of death in the world. Diabetes is also very costly, with treatment costing up to $90,000 per year. Garlic has been found to reduce insulin resistance and lower body fat levels. It also helps by lowering cholesterol levels. This reduces the risk of heart disease for people with diabetes.

Boosts The Immune System

Garlic is a natural antimicrobial agent that can help fight off bacteria and fungi. When you are sick, the garlic will destroy the pathogens that are causing your illness. Garlic also boosts your immune system because it has compounds that stimulate healthy immune cells. It also speeds up the process of healing due to its antioxidant qualities. Eating garlic regularly will give your body a boost of immunity to fight off any illnesses you might encounter.

Conclusion

With garlic’s many health benefits, it’s no wonder it’s been hailed as a “miracle” food. Aside from its antifungal and antibacterial properties, garlic is also known to help reduce the risk of diabetes and lower blood pressure. It can also help boost the immune system and lower cholesterol levels. So the next time you’re dicing up some garlic for your recipe, remember that it can do more than just add flavor!