Did you know that garlic has over 80 nutritional benefits? Here is a chart that breaks down the nutrients that garlic contains. These include the following: Cardioprotective, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-infective, and anti-fungal properties. All of these properties contribute to its amazing health benefits. The following list of Garlic nutritional benefits is intended as a starting point for your own research. You should also check out the benefits of garlic for your heart and kidneys.
Anti-inflammatory
Unique garlic has anti-inflammatory and health benefits for the human body. Many of its benefits are related to the heart and blood system, including its ability to fight off various conditions. These include hay fever, traveler’s diarrhea, high blood pressure in late pregnancy, and bacterial and yeast infections. Even the swine flu can be treated with garlic. Many medical studies have been done on garlic to determine its potential as a treatment for these conditions.
The compound S-allyl is higher in aged garlic compared to fresh garlic, but the benefits are similar. In one study, aged garlic extract, taken in capsule form, reduced serum TNF-a and IL-6 concentrations in healthy adult subjects. The researchers concluded that this supplementation could prevent obesity-induced inflammation. These findings suggest that garlic is a healthy supplement. While more studies are needed to verify these findings, there are several ways to get more garlic in your diet.
Cardioprotective
The sulfur compounds in garlic are responsible for many of its benefits, including its ability to reduce cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk. The compounds are also high in antioxidants, which may be a contributing factor to its cardiovascular benefits. Besides being rich in antibacterial compounds, garlic also contains amino acids, peptides, and sulfides. If you’re curious about the benefits of garlic, read on to find out more about this incredible superfood.
Studies have shown that a diet rich in garlic may help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer, one of the deadliest types of cancer. Research suggests that increased consumption of garlic can reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer by as much as 54%. In one population study, garlic consumption was associated with a 54 percent lower risk of pancreatic cancer among people who consumed large amounts of onions and garlic. Combined with high fiber and vegetable intake, this sage has many benefits for human health.
Anti-infective
Allicin, a substance found in garlic, is known to have medicinal properties. Its pungent flavor and pungent odor make it a popular ingredient in many foods. Its antimicrobial properties are attributed to allicin and its related compounds, including DATS and ajoene. Although the antimicrobial activity of garlic has been shown in animal studies, no strong evidence has been found for its use in human patients. However, an extract of aged garlic that contains 1% ajoene was found to be equally effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease.
There is also evidence that garlic may protect against cardiomyopathy, a major cause of death among people with diabetes. Studies with diabetic mice showed that their hearts developed changes that were associated with cardiac protection. Further studies are needed to see if the same effect occurs in human subjects, but garlic is known for its potency in fighting fungi, bacteria, and parasites. Freshly crushed garlic is rich in allicin, which has antiviral and antibacterial activity.
Anti-fungal
Medicinal preparations of garlic have been in use for thousands of years. The use of garlic for its medicinal properties has been associated with a history of successful cures for fungi and skin infections. Numerous laboratory-based studies have demonstrated significant fungicidal activity of garlic extracts against multiple clinical isolates. Various human studies have also demonstrated the positive antifungal effect of garlic. Listed below are some of the health benefits of garlic.
Unique garlic is a perennial plant in the Allium genus, which also includes leek, onion, and chive. This natural product was used by many cultures during ancient times. Its benefits were known to the Babylonians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Romans, and Vikings. Interestingly, it is also known to be a potent antifungal and antibacterial agent.
Anti-tumor
Research has shown that garlic can be beneficial against cancer. Most of the research, however, is based on animal studies. Some of the research has involved human participants, too. In animal studies, garlic seems to inhibit the cell cycle, which is similar to how many chemotherapy drugs work. Cancer cells also need blood to grow and survive, so garlic reduces their ability to promote blood vessel growth. While this effect may not be applicable to humans, it is still interesting to know how it works.
The biological activity of garlic is attributed to its presence of organosulfur compounds (OSCs). These compounds are produced by a bacterium known as allinase, which is part of the plant’s defense system. Allinase inhibits the expression of multiple cell-growth-stimulatory proteins and targets most cancer hallmarks. In addition, these compounds affect cellular redox systems, thereby promoting apoptosis and arresting the cell cycle.