Copyright timesnownews
Garlic is among the most potent herbs that enhance food flavour while providing immense health benefits. Apart from its strong and nutty taste, studies say garlic also provides protection against the common cold and has the potential to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But how do you get these benefits? Doctors prescribe eating a raw clove of garlic daily in the morning, which is packed with an enzyme known as allicin that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Experts believe chewing raw garlic – which can be unsavoury – does unlock many compounds which in turn translate into a range of benefits. What happens when you chew raw garlic daily? In the morning, after you finish drinking a glass of water, peel a garlic pod and chew it slowly to let the juices assimilate with your saliva and work magic. The sulfur compounds from garlic enter your body from the digestive tract and then travel all over your body, exerting strong biological effects. A few things that happen in your body post that include: Protects you from illness According to experts, aged garlic extract boosts your immune system. If you continue taking raw garlic daily for at least three months during the cold and flu season, you will experience less severe symptoms and fewer days of missed school or work. Garlic also has antiviral properties that boost your immune system. Lower blood pressure levels Cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke are responsible for more deaths than almost any other condition. High blood pressure is one of the most important factors that may lead to these diseases. According to studies, garlic supplements reduce blood pressure by 16 to 40 per cent in people with high blood pressure. Experts believe garlic’s effect is similar to that of some blood pressure medications, but with fewer side effects. Lowers cholesterol Chewing raw garlic also helps lower total and LDL cholesterol levels by up to 10 per cent. But garlic does not seem to have the same effect on triglyceride levels, another risk factor for heart disease. Boosts cognitive health Garlic chewing also prevents oxidative damage caused by the ageing process and related cognitive decline. Garlic is packed with antioxidants that support your body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage that leads to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Improves athletic performance Garlic has been one of the earliest natural performance-enhancing substances. Studies say ancient civilizations used garlic to reduce fatigue and improve the work capacity of labourers. Animal studies have shown that garlic helps with exercise performance; however, there have been very few human studies. Detoxify heavy metals The sulfur compounds in garlic help protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity. According to experts, allicin in garlic reduces levels of lead in your blood and vital organs. It also helps lower many clinical signs of toxicity, including headaches and high blood pressure. Are there any side effects of garlic? Doctors say you need to be aware that garlic has some downsides, like bad breath. Also, many people are allergic to garlic, which can affect your Blood clotting ability. If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medicines, make sure to talk with a doctor before increasing your garlic intake.
