Nature always gives us the tools to defend ourselves against many diseases. On this occasion, garlic is the protagonist of human health.
So small, but with medicinal properties very powerful, and also stands out in gastronomy and the preparation of home remedies for the benefit of human health.
Then, in the following article, we present the benefits of garlic so you can enjoy its therapeutic benefits.
What is garlic?
Garlic or Allium sativum It is a bulbous, lively, and rustic plant that belongs to the family of Liliaceae, subfam. The color of the layer surrounding the garlic is its differentiating element, in which various types can be distinguished: white or common garlic, purple or pink garlic, and tender or garlic.
Note: The origin of garlic is located in Central Asia. The species we know today (Allium Sativum) comes from a variety from this area.
Health benefits of garlic
The various benefits of this bulb are given by the amount of chemical and nutritional components that give it many beneficial properties for various diseases in the body. We present some of them:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Garlic, thanks to its varied antioxidant components such as vitamin C, vitamin ES-allyl cysteine, or alliin, helps the liver produce a substance called glutathione, in addition to allicin, it makes it a powerful ally against pathologies derived from oxidative damage to cells.
To highlight: In a study on ““Glutathione and its association with neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, aging and cerebral ischemia”details the action of this molecule on the oxidative damage of neurovegetative diseases.
2. Reduces bad cholesterol levels
garlic contains antioxidants that have a powerful effect on cholesterol low density, helping to reduce this type of lipid. The key compound for this therapeutic action is allicin.
The article “Garlic as a Lipid Lowering Agent—A Meta-Analysis” concludes after a scientific literature review that allicin seems to significantly reduce cholesterol in total serum.
Another article “Ajoene prevents fat digestion by human gastric lipase in vitro” points out the ability of this compound to reduce blood levels of triacylglycerol.
3. Improves blood circulation
garlic has positive properties and effects on cardiovascular risk factors since it reduces hyperlipidemia and hypertension. This is because it restricts the formation of atheromas in the walls of veins and arteries, caused by dyslipidemia, improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure in hypertensive people.
Note: Garlic has great potential as an anti-atherosclerotic agent.
4. Balances glucose levels
Another of the main benefits of garlic is its anti-diabetic properties. It is said that the compound S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide, an antioxidant compound in this bulb, is responsible for this effect.
Important: An in vitro study titled “Antidiabetic effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats”concludes that according to the results obtained, this plant should be considered a valid option for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.
5. Neutralizes free radicals
A large amount of the compounds that make up garlic are considered important antioxidants whose main function is to neutralize the action of free radicals on the body’s cells, promoting a lower risk of cellular aging.
Among these compounds are vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenol, and sulfur compounds, among others.
Note: The hypoglycemic potency of garlic is attributed to the sulfur compounds present in di-(2-propenyl)-disulfite and 2-propenyl propyl bisulfite.
6. Fight bacteria, fungi and viruses
Natural medicine has considered garlic as a natural antibiotic effective against a wide number of microorganisms due to compounds such as allicin and ajoene. Research has shown that garlic stimulates immune cells of the body, which kill pathogens and abnormal cells in the body.
This is due to the presence of allicin in garlic, according to a study on “Garlic Revisited: Antimicrobial activity of allicin and garlic-containing extracts against Burkholderia cepacia complex”.
7. Reduces joint pain
Garlic contains organic sulfur compounds such as allicin, which have positive effects on the immune system and inflammatory processes. This is stated in a review article on “Effect of phytochemical compounds of the genus Allium on the immune system and inflammatory response”.
8. Promotes digestion
There are numerous literary publications regarding the benefits of garlic on the digestive system since It is considered an antidiarrheal, antiseptic against pathogenic bacterial flora, antidyspeptic, cholagogue, and choleretic.
Garlic too is considered an anthelmintic. The greatest participation in these properties is played by alanine, a key compound in this bulb.
Note: Allicin stimulates gastric juices so that food is assimilated more easily.
9. Eliminates toxins from the body
The body has two organs, whose main function is the detoxification of the body from waste. Metabolic waste and toxic substances enter the body through different routes.
These organs are the liver and kidneys. Compounds such as s-allyl cysteine and s-allyl mercaptan cysteine, with their antioxidant activity, collaborate with these organs in the toxin elimination processes in the body including free radicals.
10. Fights respiratory conditions
Garlic has a strong antibiotic action (thanks to allicin), which participates in the elimination of microorganisms that can cause respiratory infections, preventing the appearance of common disorders such as the flu and cold.
Note: Consuming raw garlic provides essential nutrients that stimulate lung cleansing.
11. Reduces the risk of cancer
It has been documented that people who consume garlic daily have less incidence of cancerous pathologies and the evidence is strongest for prostate and stomach cancer.
In this sense, a study on “Cytotoxicity and cancer cell killing (HeLa) efficacy of aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum)” demonstrated the effectiveness of aqueous garlic extract on cervical carcinoma cells.
12. Reduces the risk of premature birth
The literature agrees on this point, that the consumption of garlic and the benefits of its antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties prevent the attack of pathogens during the woman’s pregnancy period, which increases the risk of premature birth or, in more serious situations, abortion.
Important: People who have diseases related to bleeding, hyperthyroidism, decreased platelets or who are on anticoagulant or hemostatic treatments, The consumption of garlic is contraindicated.
Garlic properties
The nutritional compounds in garlic give it a very peculiar feature to this bulb. We mention its nutritional and chemical properties:
Vitamins
The cloves contained in the garlic bulb provide beneficial vitamins such as vitamin A (retinol), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherol).
Minerals
The minerals that stand out in garlic are sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, and magnesium. All of them act in combination with vitamins and antioxidants, to offer varied and effective therapeutic solutions.
Also has sulfur compounds such as allixin, allicin, alliin, adenosine, allyl methane thiosulfate, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, allyl methyl thiosulfate, S-allyl mercapto cysteine, 2-vinyl-4H-1,2-dithiine and 5-allyl cysteine.
Likewise, up to 17 amino acids have been isolated among which are: aspartic acid, asparagine, alanine, arginine, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, leucine, serine, threonine, proline, tryptophan and valine, important for protein production.
Note: He alliin compound It is responsible for the strong smell and strong flavor of garlic once crushed.
How to consume garlic?
Garlic is very versatile at this point, but mainly gastronomy directs the way this vegetable is consumed. Below we mention the most frequent ones:
Raw
On the occasions when raw garlic is consumed, This must be peeled and crushed to release its components and make its effects more effective. Medicinal properties. One clove of garlic a day is enough. Consumed in this way it constitutes an excellent remedy.
in meals
Garlic is an excellent ally in meals, salads, and dressings. We must keep in mind that when garlic is cooked, it loses approximately 90% of its properties.
Key Conclusions
- Garlic contains powerful antioxidants such as alanine and ajoene.
- It mainly reinforces immune system.
- It has properties antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral and antimicrobial.
- Has protective effects on the circulatory system and the heart.
- It’s a antibiotic and antiseptic natural.
- can be consumed raw or integrated in foods to season them.
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