Garlic, an ingredient that many do not include in their diet, is actually the latest food item to have been elevated to a super food status. Here are some amazing health benefits of garlic.
a. For a Healthy Heart: The allicin in garlic improves heart health, reducing your risk of various cardiovascular diseases, including, heart attack, atherosclerosis, stroke, etc.
b. Controls blood pressure: The active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure or hypertension, a major factor that contributes to cardiovascular diseases.
c. Improves good cholesterol levels: Garlic, rich in allicin compound, can lower total and LDL (bad) cholesterol and prevent blood clots, while leaving the HDL (good) cholesterol unaffected.
d. Diabetes management: Garlic can help reduce blood sugar levels. It is also a good source of vitamins B-6 and C. While vitamin B-6 is involved in carbohydrate metabolism, vitamin C helps in maintaining blood sugar levels.
e. Fights cancer of various types: The sulphur compounds in garlic have been found to potentially reduce your risk of certain cancers – colon, stomach and esophageal cancer. Regular intake of garlic also reduces the occurrence of tumours associated with breast cancer.
f. Prevents asthma and bronchial infections: Garlic can help prevent and treat asthma because of its anti-inflammatory properties. According to Ayurveda, eating three cloves of garlic boiled in milk can help relieve asthma symptoms.
g. Improves digestion and overall metabolism: Inclusion of garlic in your daily diet can help eliminate digestive problems. The herb helps in the normal functioning of the intestines.
h. Treats acne: Garlic may be used treat acne and other skin problems by combining along with other ingredients like honey, cream and turmeric.
i. Effective for colds and coughs: Garlic can effectively ward off colds and coughs due to the content of its anti-bacterial and antiviral properties.
j. Good for eyes: Garlic is packed with nutrients like selenium, quercetin and vitamin C, all of which are said to help treat eye infections and swelling.
Itoozhi Ayurveda is a leading Ayurvedic centre in Kerala, offering various therapies for a healthy and toxic-free life.
