Healing Benefits of Garlic

The healing properties of garlic have been reported since ancient times. It is well known for its antibacterial effects to treat bronchitis, whooping cough, and influenza. Nicholas Culpeper, a British herbalist believed it was a remedy for all diseases. It is only when garlic is cut or crushed, that it releases the enzyme allinase, the compound in garlic that have beneficial effects.

Modern research has identified the following key medicinal benefits of including garlic in your diet :

* May help to reduce cholesterol levels. Garlic may reduce cholesterol levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and increase levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and decrease blood fats. Studies have found that allicin and other compounds appear to bring about this effect. Regular garlic consumption and adding fresh garlic to your cooking may therefore help to decrease the risk of heart disease.

* Reduce the formation of blood clots. Ajone, one of the substances that is produced once a garlic is crushed, appears to reduce the formation of blood clots. This potentially makes garlic a useful treatment for those with heart disease. Research has shown that the clotting mechanism reduce significantly when people are given daily supplements of garlic for one month.

* Help lowers high blood pressure. Powdered garlic (equal to 2.5g of fresh garlic) has been shown to lower blood pressure. Eating fresh garlic may also help this condition.

* Antibacterial and antifungal properties. Garlic has antifungal capabilities and is reported to be more effective than drugs against fungal infections such as candidiasis (thrush). It has also been shown that garlic is able to fight Parainfluenza type 3, herpes simplex type1, and influenza B viruses.

* Could protect against stomach cancer. Studies around the world suggest that diets high in garlic decrease the risk of stomach cancer. This is thought to be due to allicin compounds that appear to prevent cancerous changes in the stomach wall. It's antibacterial effect also help to act against Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers, which in turn can become cancerous.