Garlic is a powerful spice and medicinal herb, hailed for its potential health benefits. Rich in the compound allicin, garlic has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties – making it a superfood for the immune system.
Garlic is not only good for your heart, it also helps control chronic diseases and promotes overall health. Although it is widely used in cooking, do you know how to eat garlic to reap the best benefits?
Here, Avni Kaul, India's leading diabeteseducator and weight loss diet expert, shares the amazing benefits of garlic, and the best way to eat garlic to maximize its benefits, according to the health news site Health Shots.
Eating garlic has many health benefits
Health benefits of garlic
Eating garlic has many health benefits. You can eat raw garlic on an empty stomach or include garlic in your diet!
Prevent cough or cold. Eating raw garlic can prevent infections like cough or cold. You can keep your immunity high by eating two crushed garlic cloves on an empty stomach. Even the strong smell of garlic can prevent infections or allergies in children and babies. Garlic boosts the immune system, helping to prevent common illnesses like cold and flu, says Kaul.
Supports heart health. Garlic helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. Allicin, present in garlic, plays a major role in preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol. This reduces cholesterol levels and improves heart health. Regular consumption of garlic helps to limit the formation of blood clots. It also reduces blood pressure, making garlic a superfood for people with high blood pressure.
Anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic can help reduce inflammation and may be beneficial for arthritis sufferers, experts say. For people with digestive problems, adding raw garlic to the diet can improve bowel function and reduce inflammation. Eating raw garlic can also help eliminate intestinal worms. The best part is that garlic promotes the production of beneficial bacteria in the gut while killing harmful bacteria.
Antioxidant properties. Garlic contains antioxidants that help fight oxidative damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Garlic blocks free radicals and helps prevent DNA damage. The zinc content in garlic helps boost immunity. Vitamin C also helps prevent infections. Additionally, garlic's antibacterial properties may be beneficial for eye and ear infections.
Detoxification. Garlic helps detoxify heavy metals from the body, especially lead, thus protecting the organs from damage. It helps eliminate toxins that we unknowingly consume on a daily basis.
Weight loss. Garlic increases thermogenesis and helps burn more fat and also reduces bad cholesterol.
The best way to maximize the health benefits of consuming garlic is to crush or chop the garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before eating it raw.
How to use garlic for good health
A good way to maximize the health benefits of consuming garlic is to crush or chop it and let it sit for 10 minutes before eating it raw. This activates allicin, garlic's most beneficial active ingredient, according to Health Shots.
Cooking garlic can reduce the beneficial compounds. Eating raw garlic will maximize its immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits. Raw garlic can be mixed with honey, olive oil, or added to salads and dressings. Experts suggest that this is the way to ensure you get the most health benefits from garlic.
Should you swallow garlic? Chewing garlic releases beneficial compounds like allicin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also enhances the flavor and aroma of garlic. Swallowing the whole clove of garlic can still provide benefits, but the release of active ingredients is less effective. For maximum health benefits, it is best to chew garlic.
Research published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease found that swallowing whole garlic cloves had no effect on lowering blood lipids, but eating crushed or chewed garlic reduced cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure.
Who should avoid eating garlic?
People with digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux find that eating garlic can make them worse. People who are allergic to garlic should of course avoid eating garlic. Garlic can also interact with blood-thinning medications, increasing the risk of bleeding, so people taking these medications should consult their doctor before eating garlic.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chuyen-gia-chia-se-cach-tot-nhat-de-an-toi-nham-toi-da-hoa-loi-ich-185241105161326687.htm
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