Being a member of the Allium family, garlic is definitely one of the most indispensable ingredients around, used in almost every culture worldwide for its incredible medicinal properties. It was commonly used in cooking to enhance the flavor of foods. However today, garlic is widely recognized for the many health benefits it offers. So, check them out and find out more about the power of this super-healthy ingredient!
Nutritional Benefits
Garlic is rich in vitamins A, B-complex, and C. It is also a great source of minerals like calcium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, copper, and iron. Moreover, it contains amino acids, glycosides, essential oils and rare trace minerals like chives, shallots, and germanium. It is really amazing that garlic contains more than 12 types of antioxidants.
Health Benefits
The health benefits of garlic are mostly due to is potent anti-microbial properties that can effectively treat bacteria, intestinal parasites, yeast, viruses, and fungi. It is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralize the free radicals in the body and it possesses natural antibiotic and immune-boosting properties.
It is recommended to take 2-3 cloves a day in order to experience its maximum benefits:
Anti-coagulant: It is a natural, effective and most important safer replacement for aspirin which can only cause stomach bleeding. To be more specific, garlic can help you in the case of thrombosis-blockages of blood flow by clots.
Cancer prevention: Due to its potent anti-cancer properties, garlic can significantly reduce the risk of cancers, especially colon and stomach cancer.
Common cold: If you are not feeling well and you want to prevent a cold coming on, just take 1-2 cloves of garlic. It can also help you if you already have got a cold. Garlic can act as a medication for the cold, having the ability to relieve congestion and speed up the recovery.
Cholesterol: Garlic juice can reduce the oxidation of the blood cholesterol and the accumulated plaque in arteries, thus lowering the risk of heart diseases.
Diabetes: To lower blood sugar level, take one clove of garlic a day.
Fungal infections: Raw garlic juice can effectively treat fungal infections like ear infections or athlete’s foot. To soothe the itch, just apply the juice directly on the affected area.
Hypertension: It can normalize blood pressure by cleansing the arterial deposits.
Peptic ulcer: It is extremely effective in the case of bacterial stomach parasite which can cause peptic ulcers.
Toxicity: Garlic contains sulfur compounds that can detoxify the blood of toxins, lead, and other heavy metals.
Wind: Garlic can also relieve gas in the stomach.
Consumption Tips
You know that raw garlic can be difficult to eat. You will need to get used to it. Think about all the health benefits it offers, and try to include garlic in your daily diet. When preparing your favorite juice recipe, add 1-2 cloves into the juicer
Special Tip
Before you go to bed at night, prepare this magic potion:
30 minutes after your dinner, make sure to do this…
Chop up 2 cloves of fresh garlic and let it expose to the air for a couple of minutes because the chopping releases the enzyme alliinase in the garlic. Place the chopped garlic in a spoon and swallow it with water. If you want you can add a little raw honey because of its anti-bacterial properties. You can use Manuka honey, especially in the case you want to treat a sinus issue, cold, or flu.
While you sleep, the garlic and honey will travel your digestive tract and will neutralize all the toxins, harmful bacteria, fungi, carcinogens, viruses, and other chemicals before they damage your healthy cells. Garlic also contains sulfur compounds that can detoxify your liver of lead, blood toxins, and other heavy metals.
We need to mention that you will not get a garlic breath by swallowing the chopped garlic, as long as you don’t chew it. Make sure to drink a big glass of water as the first thing in the morning. Your first bowel movement will have a strong garlic odor, meaning that all the harmful toxins are removed from your body. Don’t hesitate to try it!
Caution
You know that garlic is a very potent medicinal herb. This means that 1-2 raw cloves a day are enough for you to obtain all the health benefits it provides. You can use a little more in cooking.
Considering the fact that garlic has a blood-thinning effect, it is not recommended to be taken with other anti-coagulant drugs. Make sure to avoid taking large quantities of garlic because in some cases high doses of garlic can cause some health issues, including weight loss, asthma, diarrhea, excessive gas, and anemia.
Eating raw garlic is safe at any time. However, if you consume it on a daily basis, make sure not to eat it on an empty stomach because it can be harsh on the stomach.