Garlic Will Solve All Your Problems
Garlic has earned a reputation that’s as sharp as its flavor, and for good reason—it’s been celebrated for centuries as nature’s remedy for almost everything. Packed with compounds that boost immunity, fight inflammation, and even support heart health, garlic is like having ten mothers looking out for your well-being. (If you haven’t seen Garlic Is as Good as Ten Mothers by Les Blank, the iconic documentary that is a love letter to garlic, you must do that after you finish reading).
Whether it’s warding off colds, adding a punch to your pasta, or lowering cholesterol levels, this humble bulb proves that good things really do come in small, papery packages. Let’s dig into why garlic deserves a prime spot in your kitchen and your health routine.
Fights infection & supports immunity
Garlic has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral effects. It reduces the severity of colds and the flu by decreasing the number of symptoms and the duration of illness. Research also suggests that garlic enhances the function of immune cells.
Improves memory
Studies suggest that certain compounds of garlic are neuroactive, meaning they can stimulate neural tissue. Results suggest that garlic compounds positively contribute to learning and memory formation, having a positive effect on brain function.
Improves blood pressure
Garlic can significantly lower blood pressure, pulse pressure, and arterial stiffness. In one study, 600–1,500 mg of aged garlic extract were just as effective as the drug Atenolol at reducing blood pressure over a 24-week period. The amount needed is equivalent to about four cloves of garlic per day.
Lowers cholesterol
Research into the effects of garlic have found favorable effects on cholesterol. Researchers have observed evidence that consuming one-half to one clove of garlic per day lowers cholesterol levels by around 9%.
Reduces risk of heart disease
Due to its potential effects of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, garlic may reduce the risk of heart disease. The properties of garlic that are beneficial to cardiovascular health may also be due to how it enhances nitric oxide production. (Nitric oxide is essential to maintaining healthy blood flow and blood pressure, as well as inhibiting arterial disease, inflammation, and blood clotting.)
Improves athletic performance
Studies have shown that antioxidants in garlic may decrease exercise-induced oxidative damage, and improve muscle power and performance. (Oxidative damage occurs when unstable atoms called free radicals become unbalanced and react with other molecules in the body, causing damage.)
Supports bone health
The antioxidants in garlic can reduce the oxidative stress associated with many diseases, including osteoporosis and other bone disorders, and it may also aid in the absorption of calcium.
Supports gut health
Garlic can act as a prebiotic, which stimulates the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive system.
Acts as an anti-inflammatory
Garlic and its compounds offer anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce the risk of illness and helps avoid exacerbating existing inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, and Alzheimer’s disease.
Contains anti-cancer properties
Garlic and garlic compounds may offer certain anti-cancer properties. Clinical studies suggest that garlic can have anti-cancer or preventative effects, including: inhibiting the activation of carcinogens (compounds that can cause cancer), boosting enzymes that deactivate carcinogens, reducing inflammation that could relate to the development of cancer, supporting DNA repair, and inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer and cancerous cells.
Improves skin health
Due to its antioxidant properties, garlic can be an effective herbal remedy for certain skin issues, such as : psoriasis, scars, wound healing, viral and fungal infections, and skin aging. For these treatments, garlic can be ingested and garlic oil can also be applied topically to the area that needs attention.