11 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic

 

“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.”

Those are famous words from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine.

He actually used to prescribe garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Modern science has recently confirmed many of these beneficial health effects.

Here are 11 health benefits of garlic that are supported by human research.

1. Garlic Contains Compounds With Potent Medicinal Properties

Garlic is a plant in the onion family that’s

grown for its distinctive taste and health benefits. It contains sulfur

compounds, which are believed to bring some of the health benefits.

2. Garlic Is Highly Nutritious But Has Very Few Calories

Garlic is low in calories and rich in vitamin

C, vitamin B6 and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other

nutrients.

3. Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold

Garlic supplements help prevent and reduce

the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold

4. The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure

High doses of garlic appear to improve blood

pressure for those with known high blood pressure (hypertension). In some

instances, supplements may be as effective as regular medications.

5. Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease

Garlic supplements seem to reduce total and

LDL cholesterol, particularly in those who have high cholesterol. HDL

cholesterol and triglycerides do not seem to be affected.

6. Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

Garlic contains antioxidants that protect

against cell damage and aging. It may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

and dementia.

7. Garlic May Help You Live Longer

Garlic has known beneficial effects on common

causes of chronic disease, so it makes sense that it could also help you live

longer.

8. Athletic Performance Might Be Improved With Garlic Supplements

Garlic may improve physical performance in

lab animals and people with heart disease. Benefits in healthy people are not

yet conclusive.

9. Eating Garlic May Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body

Garlic was shown to significantly reduce lead

toxicity and related symptoms in one study.

10. Garlic May Improve Bone Health

Garlic appears to have some benefits for bone

health by increasing estrogen levels in females, but more human studies are

needed.

11. Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious

Garlic is delicious and easy to add to your diet. You can use it in savory dishes, soups, sauces, dressings and more.

In Conclusion

For thousands of years, garlic was believed to have medicinal properties.

Science has now confirmed it.