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Garlic: The Ancient Herb with Health Benefits
Garlic has long been revered as an ancient herb, packed with numerous medicinal benefits. Notably, Hippocrates, the father of ancient Greek medicine, lauded garlic as one of the most potent natural remedies. Among its myriad benefits, garlic plays a role in combating the formation of cancer cells; countering inflammation caused by certain bacteria and viruses; and most significantly, reducing cholesterol levels and undesirable fats in the body. Due to these potent effects, those prone to heart and vascular diseases are often advised to include garlic in their diet.
Nutritional Composition of Garlic
A single fresh garlic clove comprises 64.3% water, 7.9% protein, 0.6% fat, and 16.3% carbohydrates, translating to a total of 98 kilocalories.
Key Active Components in Garlic:
- Diallyl disulfide: Aids in controlling cholesterol and regulating blood fat levels.
- Allicin: Effective in combating bacteria and alleviating inflammation.
- Alliin: Known for its potent antimicrobial properties.
- Selenium: An antioxidant essential for optimal body functioning.
- Sulfur: Acts as a protective shield against various skin ailments, while also nourishing joints and muscles.
Properties and Benefits of Garlic
- Digestive System: Garlic enhances appetite and the body’s digestion capability. Fresh garlic stimulates digestive juice secretion in the stomach, improving overall digestion. It also boosts enzyme function, aiding in the digestion of proteins, especially from meat sources. Additionally, it facilitates the secretion of hydrochloric acid, vital for protein digestion. Moreover, garlic, rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin B1, and Vitamin C, has a distinctive aroma that can invigorate the appetite, particularly for those with poor eating habits.
- Protection against Cardiovascular Diseases: Garlic plays a pivotal role in managing cholesterol levels. It reduces the presence of undesirable LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) while increasing the beneficial HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) in the bloodstream. This balance ensures the effective transportation and disposal of excess cholesterol to the liver.
- Anti-cancer Properties: Garlic opposes the proliferation of cancer cells by inhibiting their growth across various organs. Garlic extracts can also mitigate the side effects linked with cancer treatments, such as those from cyclophosphamide, a widely-used chemotherapy drug.
- Enhances Organ Function: Consuming fresh garlic releases a compound named diallyl sulfide. This compound, when inhaled, serves as a bactericidal agent, alleviating inflammation in tissues. Furthermore, its effects on the stomach promote better blood circulation, nourishing the stomach lining and curtailing symptoms like bloating and indigestion.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Garlic offers pronounced anti-inflammatory effects against select bacteria and viruses. Regular consumption can also serve as a preventive measure against colds and flu.
Properties and Benefits of Garlic
- Digestive System: Garlic can boost appetite and enhance the body’s ability to digest food. Fresh garlic stimulates the production of digestive juices, increasing the breakdown of various nutrients, especially proteins such as those from meats. It also amplifies the release of hydrochloric acid, crucial for protein digestion. Moreover, garlic is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin C, and has a distinctive aroma that can stimulate appetite in those with poor food cravings.
- Heart and Blood Vessel Protection: Garlic can help reduce levels of unwanted LDL cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein) in the bloodstream while promoting the presence of beneficial HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein). HDL aids in removing lingering cholesterol from various parts of the body to be broken down in the liver.
- Cancer Cell Prevention: Garlic works against the formation and proliferation of cancer cells in various organs. Garlic extracts can minimize side effects from cancer treatments, like the use of cyclophosphamide – a chemotherapy drug.
- Enhancing Organ Functions: Consuming fresh garlic releases a compound called diallyl sulfide. When inhaled, this compound acts as a mild antibacterial agent, reducing inflammation in tissues. It also benefits the stomach by promoting blood circulation, alleviating symptoms of indigestion.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Garlic has anti-inflammatory effects against certain bacteria and viruses. Moreover, consuming garlic can also aid in preventing colds and flu.
Perfect Blend of Garlic, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza), Parsley, and Peppermint: Licorice, also known as Glycyrrhiza, is commonly used alongside garlic. Its roots and underground stems contain a compound called “glycyrrhizin,” which is sweeter than sugar by 50 times. Licorice helps expectorate phlegm, quenches thirst, masks the bad taste of some medicines, and alleviates stomach lining irritation caused by certain irritants. Concentrated extracts from parsley and watercress offer fiber and antioxidants. Peppermint, or spearmint, effectively neutralizes garlic odor.
Who Should Consume Garlic?
- Those at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
- Anyone looking to enhance their body with garlic’s phytonutrients.
Precautions When Consuming Garlic: Overconsumption might lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, anemia, and weight loss. If such symptoms occur, it’s advisable to pause consumption for a while.
