Garlic has been used for centuries as both a flavorful culinary ingredient and a powerful natural medicine. Eating raw garlic on a daily basis can lead to some remarkable changes in your body and overall health. The main active compound in garlic, allicin, is responsible for many of its health-promoting properties. Allicin has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Boost Immunity.
One of the most notable benefits of consuming raw garlic daily is a strengthened immune system. The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic, especially allicin, help stimulate the production of white blood cells which are crucial for fighting infections. Studies have shown that garlic extract can enhance the function of immune cells. Regularly eating garlic may help reduce the severity and frequency of common illnesses like the flu and colds.
Improves Cardiovascular Health
Garlic can have a positive impact on several risk factors for heart disease. The allicin in raw garlic has been shown to lower total and LDL cholesterol levels by inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Garlic also contains antioxidants that may help prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key step in the development of atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.
Additionally, the sulfur compounds in garlic are converted to hydrogen sulfide gas in the body, causing blood vessels to relax and blood pressure to drop. High doses of garlic supplements have been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension. Garlic’s ability to lower cholesterol, prevent atherosclerosis, and reduce blood pressure may lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar
Garlic may also help improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity, especially beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes. Some studies suggest that garlic extract can enhance the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. Compounds in garlic appear to block the liver from deactivating insulin, allowing more insulin to be available. Garlic extract has been shown to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes when taken for at least 3 months.
Detoxifies Heavy Metals
Another fascinating effect of raw garlic is its ability to detoxify heavy metals in the body. High doses of garlic have been shown to significantly reduce lead levels in the blood. Sulfur compounds from garlic may chelate heavy metals like lead and enhance their excretion. Workers in car battery manufacturing plants who took garlic extract had lower blood lead levels than those who took a placebo. Garlic may offer some protection against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity.
Enhances Athletic Performance
Ancient Greek Olympians were given garlic to enhance their athletic performance. It turns out they were on to something. Garlic may help reduce exercise-induced fatigue. In animal studies, garlic has been shown to improve exercise endurance. Human studies found that garlic extract helped reduce peak heart rate and improved exercise capacity in people with heart disease. The performance-enhancing effect may be due to garlic’s ability to reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress.
Precautions and Side Effects
While safe for most people, eating raw garlic does come with a few potential side effects to keep in mind. Garlic breath and body odor are common when consuming raw garlic. Some people may experience heartburn, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Those taking blood thinners should be cautious about suddenly increasing their garlic intake as it may increase the risk of bleeding. Garlic may also interfere with some medications like HIV drugs, so it’s best to consult your doctor before using high doses of garlic for medicinal purposes.
In conclusion, eating raw garlic on a daily basis can be a simple way to boost your health. With benefits for immunity, heart health, blood sugar, detoxification, and athletic performance, adding a clove or two of raw garlic to your daily diet is a natural way to improve your well-being. While cooked garlic still offers some benefits, raw garlic appears to be the most potent form. If you can handle the pungent taste and aroma, raw garlic is a powerful natural remedy.
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