Garlic is part of a plant, the bulb, being widely used in the kitchen to flavor and season food, and as a natural medicine to complement the treatment of various conditions.
This herb is rich in sulfur compounds, the main one being allicin, which gives it the characteristic smell of garlic, being responsible for the functional properties that garlic has for health.
In addition to this, it is rich in some minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
So the benefits of consuming garlic are:
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1. Fight viruses, bacteria and fungi
Garlic has a sulfur compound called allicin that gives it antimicrobial action, inhibiting the growth and proliferation of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It even helps to eliminate toxins and pathogenic bacteria that affect the normal flora of the intestine, being useful for treating parasites.
2. Fight colon cancer
Thanks to the action of allicin, alliin and ajoene, which are sulfur compounds, they are antioxidants that prevent the formation of free radicals and protect the body’s cells. Also, allyl sulfides help stimulate some enzymes that detoxify the body of agents that cause this disease.
3. Protect heart health
Garlic helps reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood by inhibiting their oxidation, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
It also lowers high blood pressure because it exerts a hypotensive effect and promotes blood circulation by causing a vasodilator effect. It also prevents thrombus formation because it inhibits platelet aggregation.
4. Act as a natural anti-inflammatory
Thanks to allicin and its antioxidants, garlic decreases the inflammatory response in the body that is caused by various diseases. Also, its sulfur compounds provide analgesic properties and modulate the response of the immune system.
This herb is rich in sulfur compounds, the main one being allicin, which gives it the characteristic smell of garlic, being responsible for the functional properties that garlic has for health.
In addition to this, it is rich in some minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
So the benefits of consuming garlic are:
1. Fight viruses, bacteria and fungi
Garlic has a sulfur compound called allicin that gives it antimicrobial action, inhibiting the growth and proliferation of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It even helps to eliminate toxins and pathogenic bacteria that affect the normal flora of the intestine, being useful for treating parasites.
2. Fight colon cancer
Thanks to the action of allicin, alliin and ajoene, which are sulfur compounds, they are antioxidants that prevent the formation of free radicals and protect the body’s cells. Also, allyl sulfides help stimulate some enzymes that detoxify the body of agents that cause this disease.
3. Protect heart health
Garlic helps reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood by inhibiting their oxidation, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
It also lowers high blood pressure because it exerts a hypotensive effect and promotes blood circulation by causing a vasodilator effect. It also prevents thrombus formation because it inhibits platelet aggregation.
4. Act as a natural anti-inflammatory
Thanks to allicin and its antioxidants, garlic decreases the inflammatory response in the body that is caused by various diseases. Also, its sulfur compounds provide analgesic properties and modulate the response of the immune system.
5. Avoid respiratory problems
Garlic stimulates respiratory functions thanks to its expectorant and antiseptic properties, facilitating breathing, so its use is excellent for treating the flu, coughs, colds, hoarseness, asthma, bronchitis and lung conditions.
6. Maintain brain health
Thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory power, provided by allicin and sulfur compounds, and its content of selenium and choline, frequent consumption of garlic could protect brain cells and reduce the damage caused by free radicals, which are implicated in the onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.
For this reason, garlic is a food with great potential to improve memory and favor the learning process, improving brain health.
Garlic nutritional information
The table below indicates the nutritional composition per 100 grams of garlic:
Energy 113 calories
Protein 7g
carbohydrates 23.9g
fats 0.2g
fibers 4.3g
Vitamin C 17mg
Magnesium 21mg
Selenium 14.2mcg
Calcium 14mg
Potassium 535mg
Match 14mg
Sodium 10mg
Iron 0.8mg
allicin 225mg
Hill 23.2mg
In addition to fresh garlic, there is also black garlic, which goes through a fermentation process that enhances all its benefits. Learn more about black garlic.
This herb is rich in sulfur compounds, the main one being allicin, which gives it the characteristic smell of garlic, being responsible for the functional properties that garlic has for health.
In addition to this, it is rich in some minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
