7 Health Benefits Of Eating Garlic Regularly

In the realm of culinary treasures, garlic stands tall as a powerhouse of both flavor and remarkable health benefits. Widely celebrated for its distinctive aroma and taste, this humble herb has been a staple in kitchens and traditional medicine for centuries. In this exploration, we will unveil the extraordinary health benefits that come with incorporating garlic into your regular diet.

Beyond its ability to transform ordinary dishes into culinary delights, garlic is packed with essential nutrients and bioactive compounds. From boosting the immune system and promoting heart health to its potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, garlic offers a myriad of advantages for your overall well-being. Its medicinal qualities have made it a hero in natural remedies, revered for its potential to combat various illnesses and enhance vitality.

Join us as we delve into the science behind this remarkable herb, discovering how its unique properties can positively impact your health. Whether raw, cooked, or as a supplement, the health benefits of eating garlic regularly are vast and diverse. So, embark on this flavorful journey with us and explore the countless ways in which incorporating garlic into your diet can lead to a healthier, more vibrant you.

# Helps In Managing Diabetes

Garlic is beneficial for people with diabetes and for those who are at risk of developing diabetes.It doesn’t have carbohydrates and doesn’t cause a sudden spike in blood sugar level, and thus helps in managing diabetes.The dietary fibers in the garlic slow down the rate at which sugar gets absorbed by the bloodstream and helps in controlling blood sugar levels. Avoid overconsumption of garlic as otherwise, it may drop the blood sugar to an abnormally low level giving rise to hypoglycemia with symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, confusion, and irritability or moodiness.If you are on diabetic medication, consult your doctor before adding garlic to your diet to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.

# Manages Cholesterol Level

Dietary fibers in garlic reduce LDL cholesterol in the body and prevent the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arteries.This minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits in the arterial walls, and is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease.As per a 1991 study published in “Journal of Postgraduate Medicine”, individuals who consume a minimum of ten grams of garlic per day for at least two months had lower LDL cholesterol in comparison to those who didn’t.

# Controls High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent killer that affects millions of people around the world and gives rise to various health problems like severe headaches, nose bleed, chest pain, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, difficulty in breathing, vision problems, and blood in urine, etc.Potassium present in the garlic is a natural vasodilator that relaxes our blood vessels, improves blood circulation, and thus provides relief from high blood pressure or hypertension.Zinc and magnesium in garlic also aid in regulating high blood pressure.“Allicin” present in the garlic relaxes blood vessels and reduces platelet aggregation to fight thrombosis (blood clot).Eat garlic in moderation as over-intake of potassium may lower the blood pressure to an abnormally low level and may give rise to hypotension with symptoms such as dizziness, fainting, nausea, dehydration, lack of concentration, blurred vision, and pale skin, etc.If you are already on blood pressure medication, then consume garlic after having a word with your doctor to avoid the risk of food-drug intolerance.

# Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Garlic improves our cardiovascular health and is good for the heart.Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols, etc in garlic protect our cardiovascular system from free radical damage and improves its efficiency.Dietary fibers in garlic reduce LDL cholesterol and thus minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis which is a leading cause of several cardiovascular problems.“Ajoene”, a sulfur compound present in the garlic prevents blood clots, blockage of arteries and blood vessels, and minimizes the risk of atherosclerosis.It also contains potassium that relaxes our blood vessels and controls hypertension or high blood pressure which is a major cause of several cardiovascular and other health problems.Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper, etc in garlic also contribute to our cardiovascular health.

# Enhances Ocular Health

The rich nutritious profile of garlic aids in maintaining our ocular health.Vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in garlic protects our eyes from free radical damage and thus minimizes the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma, etc. Vitamin A is an essential mineral for the eyes as it improves vision prevents eye dryness and minimizes the risk of night-blindness.Other nutrients like selenium, zinc, quercetin, and potassium, etc also play a significant role in keeping our eyes healthy.

# Improves Digestive Health

Garlic is good for the stomach and improves our digestive health.Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in garlic protect our digestive system from free radical damage and minimizes the risk of colon cancer, abdominal cancer, pancreatic cancer, intestinal cancer, and stomach cancer, etc.The laxative properties of dietary fibers in garlic improve bowel movement, aids in stool elimination, and thus relieve constipation and other gastrointestinal issues like abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome, gas, bloating and flatulence, etc. Other nutrients like zinc, iron, magnesium, and folate, etc also improves our digestive health.

# Strengthens Immunity

The immune system is the defense mechanism of our body that aids in the prevention and treatment of various microbial infections, diseases, and as well as injuries, and wounds. Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in garlic protect our immune cells or the white blood cells from free radicals damage and thus strengthens our immune system.Vitamin C enhances the production of white blood cells, and further strengthens our immunity.With stronger immunity, our risk of getting a cough, cold, fever, and flu diminishes significantly.Other nutrients like zinc, potassium, magnesium, iron, and folate, etc in garlic also contribute to better immune health.Vitamin C, an anti-inflammatory compound in the garlic reduces lung inflammation and improves respiratory health.As per anecdotal evidence, chewing 2-3 garlic cloves can reduce the symptoms of cough and cold, and also aids in treating them.