Garlic is a bulbous plant that grows up to 1.2m in height. It can be grown in mild climates and it’s very easy to grow. It belongs to the genus Allium and is closely related to Onion, Scallion, Shive, Rakkyo (Onion found in Asia), Leek, and Shallot.
It can generally be found in marketplaces and stores. It is known for its unique smell and taste in dishes but can also be used as a medicine throughout ancient and modern history. It has known to be very effective in preventing and treating a wide range of conditions and diseases.
Uses Of Garlic
It has so many uses and can be used in so many ways aside from our regular use of it to add flavor to our dishes. Let us look at a few uses of Garlic below;
◦Garlic is used by some people today to prevent stomach cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, con cancer, and rectal cancer.
◦It can be used as an Athlete’s foot remedy because it has a natural anti-fungal which if added to a foot bath, can relieve itchy feet.
◦It can also be used for several conditions linked to the blood system and heart such as high cholesterol, heart attack, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
◦It can be used for cold and flu therapy. A concoction of this therapy is made with honey and garlic to boost your immune system and soothe sores and itchy throat naturally.
◦It can serve as an acne reducer. It is a brilliant remedy for those annoying little facial imperfections and reduces the size of pores.
◦It can serve as a mosquito repellent. The unique aroma of garlic is a natural repellent for mosquitoes and other small insects around you.
BENEFITS OF GARLIC
◦The active compound of Garlic can reduce high blood pressure:
High blood pressure or hypertension is one of the most important factors that might lead to heart attack and Stroke which are responsible for many deaths compared to other causes of death.
Researchers found out that the content and supplements in garlic can help reduce blood pressure and it is necessary to take the right dosage which is about four (4) cloves of garlic a day.
◦Garlic contains compounds with potent medical properties:
Throughout ancient history, the main use of garlic was for health and medicinal properties. Scientists now know that when garlic is chopped, crushed, or chewed, sulfur compounds are formed which is very beneficial to mankind health-wise. The sulfur compound gets access to your body through the digestive tract then it passes all over your body applying strong biological effects. We have other compounds found in the body such as Allicin, diallyl, etc.
◦Garlic can help fight against illnesses including the common cold:
Researchers found out that the supplements in garlic reduce a cold by 63% compared to other medications. Adding garlic to your diet may be worth trying if you often get cold because the supplements in garlic are known for boosting the immune system.
◦Garlic may help you live longer:
The fact that you can fight infectious diseases with garlic it’s an important factor because these are common causes of death, especially the elderly ones with poor immune systems. Given the beneficial effects of this, it shows and makes sense that garlic can make you live longer.
◦Garlic lowers the risk of heart disease:
For those with high cholesterol that causes heart disease, garlic appears to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL Cholesterol) by 10-15%. Looking at LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol especially, garlic appears to lower LDL.
◦Eating garlic help in detoxification:
It reduces many clinical signs of toxicity, including headaches and high blood pressure.
◦It improves bone health:
This shows that the supplements may have beneficial effects on bone health in women. It goes further to show that it minimizes bone loss in females by increasing estrogen. One study also found out that a daily dose of dry garlic extract which is 2grams of raw garlic significantly decreased symptoms of estrogen deficiency.
Garlic and sexual life:
Garlic improves sexual function and increases libido. It helps to increase blood flow which may be beneficial in treating issues like erectile dysfunction in men. It helps increase nitric oxide levels, a compound that helps blood vessels dilate to promote better blood flow and could potentially help improve erectile function.
Side effects of Garlic
◦Garlic breath
◦Increased risk of bleeding. Although it is uncommon but too much garlic intake can lead to bleeding especially when you are undergoing surgery.
◦Heartburn
◦Digestive issues
In conclusion
Garlic is highly nutritious and associated with great benefits to human health.
However, eating too much of this leads to its side effects which are listed above. The best way to enjoy it is not to take too much, it should be moderately taken. Stop the intake if you start experiencing any of the side effects.
