The Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic can be served in many ways. People may roast it in olive oil, as it will melt like butter in the mouth. Those who like garlic’s spicy and sharp taste choose to chop it and eat it raw, while some people make it in oil form to soothe their tired and sore muscles. This ingredient can be used in countless ways, and all come with benefits. 

What is Allicin?

Allicin is the organic sulfur compound that gives garlic its unique smell. However, it does much more than this. Allicin offers numerous health benefits, whether you consume this vegetable raw or buy chopped garlic by spice world. 

Immunity Booster

Any person can boost their immunity by consuming more garlic. One study looked at garlic’s effect on the health of women between the ages of 55 and 69. Over 40,000 women participated in the study, which found that regular consumption of garlic, fruits, and vegetables reduced their risk of colon cancer by 35 percent. 

Anti-Inflammatory

Garlic oil can reduce inflammation. People find it can relieve their sore or inflamed joints and muscles. The Arthritis Foundation now recommends men and women with this chronic condition use garlic oil to prevent the cartilage damage seen with this disease. 

Better Heart Health

Researchers studying the health effects of garlic found that it can help a person’s arteries and blood pressure. They believe red blood cells take the sulfur found in garlic and convert it to hydrogen sulfide gas. This gas expands the blood vessels, helping to regulate blood pressure. However, a person should always speak to their doctor before changing their medication or stopping use. 

Clear Skin

The bacteria responsible for acne dies when exposed to garlic. Thanks to the antibacterial properties of this vegetable, rubbing raw garlic over pimples can clear the skin. However, garlic can irritate the skin, so a person should speak to their dermatologist before purchasing raw garlic and using it for this purpose. 

Minimize the Risk of Food Poisoning

Garlic’s antibacterial properties reduce the risk of food poisoning. Adding garlic to a recipe kills bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella. However, to minimize this risk, cooks must continue using the best food sanitation practices and handling methods. 

Athlete’s Foot Treatment

Garlic fights fungal infections. Men and women with athlete’s foot should rub their feet with raw garlic or soak their feet in garlic water. The garlic will attack the fungus that causes the itching and other symptoms of this common condition. 

Raw or Cooked Garlic?

Men and women might be tempted to take a supplement rather than eat raw or cooked garlic to get these benefits. However, they won’t see the benefits. When a person heats garlic or adds it to a recipe, its pH balance changes. Allicin contains enzymes that need time to begin working. The garlic must sit for a few minutes after being minced, crushed, or chopped to see the most benefits. 

Raw garlic remains best. When cooking garlic, keep the temperature below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher temperatures destroy the allicin, so it’s best to wait until a recipe is almost finished cooking before adding this ingredient. 

Take care when cooking with garlic, as it can irritate the skin. Chefs who handle large amounts of fresh and dried garlic might find their skin stings. Consider wearing gloves when handling this ingredient to prevent any irritation. 

Every person should try to add more garlic to their diet. However, do so slowly. Adding large amounts of garlic quickly can lead to digestive issues, bad breath, and body odor. Nobody wants that, so gradually introduce more garlic into the diet to see the benefits without the drawbacks.