What are the Benefits of Garlic for Health

The benefits of garlic are not only famous for adding flavor to cuisine, but are also believed to be beneficial for health. The benefits of garlic itself has long been used since the days of ancient Egypt, India and even China. Plants from the Allium or onion family are widely used for various medical purposes. Numerous studies link the consumption of large amounts of garlic with a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, strengthen the immune system, and improve blood circulation and ward off the risk of heart disease. However, the health benefits of garlic have not been proven 100 percent, so more research is needed. However, several studies have found possible benefits such as the following.

Good for the heart

One of the benefits of garlic mentioned is good for heart health. From a study, it was found that supplementation containing garlic extract has the potential to provide a protective effect for heart health. This effect is seen from the ability of garlic to reduce cholesterol, and the effect of blood thinners which can help improve blood circulation.

Good for digestive tract health

Not only good for the heart, other benefits of garlic is for digestive health. Garlic contains allicin which functions as an antibiotic as well as antifungal. Research shows that the benefits of garlic can also be used to fight H. pylori bacterial infections in the stomach.

Prevent cancer

One of the benefits of garlic which is being widely studied is its effect in fighting cancer. There are studies that show that garlic can suppress the activity of cancer cells. Based on these findings, garlic has potential as an anticancer source. Other studies also show that those who are accustomed to consuming garlic have a lower risk of developing colon cancer. However, research is still needed on a larger scale to apply it as a medical treatment.

Reducing Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Garlic extract is thought to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Several research findings reveal that garlic can dilate blood vessels and relax smooth muscles. Garlic is also thought to be able to slightly reduce cholesterol in the body, but that does not mean garlic can be an effective hypertension or cholesterol drug because it still requires extensive research.

Prevent colds

Garlic is believed to prevent colds because it is thought to be able to strengthen the immune system against viruses. Research shows that those who are accustomed to taking colds are less likely to catch colds and colds and will recover faster when they catch a cold than those who don't. However, how to work and use the benefits of garlic as a prevention and treatment for colds and colds still needs to be investigated. Efficacy and benefits of garlic can be maximized if consumed raw because cooking it too well can destroy its important ingredients. If you intend to use garlic supplements for health purposes, it's a good idea to ask your doctor first, especially if you have certain medical conditions or are using blood thinning medications.