Throughout history, garlic (Allium sativum) has held immense significance in culinary and medicinal practices worldwide, even being associated with the mythical belief of repelling vampires in medieval Europe. Its aromatic flavor and potent health properties have solidified its position as a staple ingredient in various dishes.
From supporting cardiovascular health to bolstering the immune system, garlic emerges as a true superfood with a multitude of positive effects on the body.
What's in Garlic?
Various cultures throughout history have acknowledged garlic's potential for disease prevention and treatment, according to a 2014 paper. Recent studies have provided evidence supporting garlic's effectiveness and extracts in diverse applications, hinting at the revival of its therapeutic value in different diseases.
Garlic's compounds are believed to lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, possess anti-tumor and anti-microbial properties, and exhibit benefits in managing high blood glucose levels. More research is necessary to comprehend the full range of garlic's ingredients, to understand its long-term effects, and to explore its pathophysiological mechanisms and efficacy in treating different diseases.
Allicin is the main bioactive compound in garlic extracts, formed when allinase enzyme is activated through chopping or crushing garlic. The growing interest in alternative medicine and natural remedies has sparked a renewed curiosity in garlic and its derivatives for potential therapeutic use.
However, further long-term and large-scale trials are necessary to assess the effects of garlic therapy on mortality, serious adverse events, and morbidity related to cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Potential Therapeutic Use of Garlic
Salon Prive magazine identified five potential therapeutic use of garlic, such as serving as booster of cardiovascular health, supporting the immune system, acting as anti-inflammatory, promoting good digestive health, and detoxifying the body.
- Cardiovascular Health - One of the extensively studied advantages of organic garlic is its positive influence on heart health, with medical research indicating that garlic consumption is associated with benefits such as reduced blood pressure levels and a lowered risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Good for the Immune System - Garlic's immune-boosting properties stem from its natural antimicrobial and antiviral effects. It can fortify the body's defenses against infections, making it more resilient to common illnesses and viruses when consumed regularly, particularly during the cold-prone winter season.
- Anti-inflammatory- Garlic can be beneficial in combating chronic inflammation, which is associated with conditions like arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Incorporating garlic into the diet may give relief from inflammation-related symptoms and potentially reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases.
- Promotes Good Digestive Health-Garlic also supports digestion by stimulating digestive enzyme production, aiding in nutrient absorption in the intestines. Its prebiotic properties also nourish beneficial gut bacteria, fostering a healthy gut microbiome and improving overall digestive function.
- Detoxify the body- Garlic plays a vital role in supporting the liver's detoxification process, aiding in filtering out toxins and waste products from the body. It promotes overall detoxification and improves well-being by assisting the body in eliminating harmful substances.
Aside from these five main health benefits of garlic, WebMD also reported that various studies have linked garlic, along with other Allium family members, to a reduced risk of colon cancer, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and other specific types of cancer.
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