This is for all of you garlic lovers out there: keep up the good work! Actually, the more the merrier. We all know that garlic is an extremely healthy food, but have you ever wondered how healthy it really is? That’s what we’re going to find out today as a group. Garlic is regarded as a mega superfood by health experts, and for good reason. We had no idea the delicious food had so many health benefits. Let us find out what they are.
It Can Reduce Blood Pressure
Garlic has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. This benefit is due to garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties, which allow blood to flow more easily through the body. One study discovered that if subjects ate enough garlic in a day, it could act as a blood pressure medicine. They took garlic extract pills containing the equivalent of about 4 cloves (600–1,500 mg garlic extract).
It Can Boost the Immune System
Increasing your intake of garlic on a regular basis can help boost your immune system! According to one study, people who eat garlic, fruits, and vegetables on a regular basis have a 35% lower risk of developing colon cancer. Keep in mind that these results came from raw and cooked garlic, not supplements.
It Can Improve Cholesterol Levels
Another amazing health advantage of consuming garlic is that it helps to decrease cholesterol levels. In studies, garlic supplements helped people with high cholesterol levels lower their cholesterol levels by about 10-15%. In fact, it appears that garlic only decreases LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and has no effect on HDL (“good” cholesterol).
Garlic Improves the Skin and Hair
Garlic, which is high in antioxidants and antibacterial qualities, can help cleanse the face by destroying acne-causing bacteria. According to one study, applying raw garlic on pimples can help them cure up faster. Just be aware that doing so may result in a burning feeling on your skin. Before applying garlic to your skin, consult your dermatologist.
It may aid in the prevention of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease
Free radical oxidative damage accelerates the aging process, causing a slew of difficulties down the road. Garlic is a wonderful dietary option since it includes antioxidants that boost the body’s defensive mechanism against oxidative damage. Garlic supplements at high doses have been shown to lower oxidative stress in those with high blood pressure and to boost antioxidant enzymes in humans. This, in turn, aids in the prevention of disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
It May Improve Bone Health
Garlic has been shown in rodent tests to reduce bone loss by boosting estrogen levels in females. In one trial of menopausal women, one daily dose of dry garlic extract (equal to around 2 grams of raw garlic) dramatically reduced an estrogen insufficiency marker. This implies that garlic may be good to women’s bone health.