Garlic Helps To Reduce Risk Of Heart Diseases, Read 6 More Benefits

Garlic, known scientifically as Allium sativum, belongs to the onion family and holds a prominent place in both culinary and medicinal realms. Renowned for its health benefits, it's a favored flavoring agent in cooking. The bulb of garlic comprises 10-20 smaller cloves, each housing its unique flavor and nutritional properties. Despite its culinary classification as a herb or spice, garlic is botanically considered a vegetable.

One of its key components, allicin, serves as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory agent, and even as a compound believed to enhance sexual health. Allicin is formed when garlic cloves are crushed or chopped, releasing its characteristic aroma and potent properties. Interestingly, odorless variants of garlic, such as 'lahsun', may contain minimal to no allicin.

This complex herb/vegetable/spice embodies not just culinary versatility but also a wealth of compounds that contribute to its esteemed status in both traditional and modern medicine.

# Protects from cancer

1. The organo-sulfur compounds present in garlic are effective in destroying the cells in a type of brain tumour.

2. The natural compounds present in garlic help selectively kill cancer cells thus, preventing its growth and spread. Garlic strengthens the immunity of the body against cancer and hence, lowers the r

# Reduces the risk of heart diseases

1. The anti-oxidant properties of Allicin, the active ingredient of garlic helps to lower cholesterol levels.

2. Garlic regulates blood pressure as the red blood cells convert the sulphur present in garlic into hydrogen sulphide gas which relaxes the blood vessels thus, smoothly regulating blood pressure. Hydrogen sulphide gas protects the heart from damage.

3. Garlic contains heart-protective chemicals. Garlic reduces the risk of heart disease by relaxing the hardened blood vessels and by preventing platelet aggregation.

# Beneficial in colds

1. The antibiotic and antimicrobial properties of garlic help arrest the growth of unwanted organisms.

2. Garlic helps in reducing and preventing the severity of the common cold.

3. As garlic boosts the immune system, it decreases the intensity and duration of the cold symptoms.

# Offers good skin

1. The anti-fungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of garlic help offer good skin.

2. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties of garlic clear the skin by decreasing the inflammation and swelling of acne.

3. The antioxidant properties of garlic protect the skin and prevent the skin from damage from free radicals. It aids in the longevity and growth of the skin cells.

4. Due to the anti-aging effects possessed by garlic, aging of the skin is delayed.

# Lowers Cholesterol Levels

1. Raw garlic is a high source of allicin compound, which prevents bad cholesterol from oxidizing thus, lowers the cholesterol levels.

2. Lowering the cholesterol levels, garlic further reduces cardiovascular risk and improves heart health.

3. Garlic also decreases blood pressure and lowers the incidence of blood clots.

# Garlic can increase sex drive; is also known as an aphrodisiac

Some call Garlic as a natural viagra for men. The active compound called Allicin in Garlic is known to enhance blood flow to the organs, thereby possibly enhancing sex drive ‘libido’ and is known to promote male fertility. A research published in Pub MED points at garlic consumption over a period may enhance the quality of testis testosterone and plasma corticosterone.