National Garlic Month: Benefits of Garlic
How are you dealing with all of the stress and weirdness going on right now? I hope you have all of the support tha tyou need during this trying time.
Hopefully, some of my posts have some information that can help you deal with working from home, stress, newly homeschooling, and more. But I also want to keep some semblance of normalcy when possible. So I will continue to post recipes, exercise, and journaling posts with all of the other posts.
And on that note: a lighter post…
April is National Garlic Month.
Yum!
I have a few recipes later in the month that include garlic but today, the post is about some of the benefits of garlic — again yum!
The Benefits Of Regular Garlic Consumption
Let’s talk about garlic. More specifically, let’s talk about the health benefits you can derive from eating it more regularly. Not only is garlic very tasty and a great addition to some of our favorite savory dishes, but it also happens to be good for the body. It has been used as a medicinal compound for millennia and has some amazing antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Garlic Supports The Immune System
People who eat garlic regularly report suffering from fewer colds and may even avoid getting the flu. In addition, there’s plenty of empirical evidence that consuming large amounts of garlic can reduce both the length and severity of these types of illnesses. How this works is not fully understood but whole garlic contains a chemical called alliin. When garlic is sliced, this turns into allicin which contains sulfur. Allicin changes into other compounds that are believed to provide the medicinal properties.
Since ancient times, garlic has been known to cure infections and is often called “nature’s antibiotic”. Boost your immune system and spend less time being sick by eating plenty of garlic.
Garlic Can Lower Blood Pressure
Did you know that garlic can lower blood pressure? It’s also great for your arteries and your heart. As a result, garlic can help reduce your chances of suffering from a stroke or heart attack. Several studies have suggested this; however, the exact mechanism here is not fully understood either.
While eating plenty of garlic shouldn’t replace the advice of your doctor, it can’t hurt to spice up your food with plenty of delicious garlic. Over time, you may be able to lower and even replace your blood pressure medication.
Garlic May Help Improve Your Cholesterol Levels
In addition to lowering your blood pressure, the active compounds in garlic have also been shown to lower bad and boost good cholesterol in some studies. But other studies have suggested that there is a minimal effect.
So what does this mean? You have to eat quite a bit of it and do so regularly to see the effects show up in your bloodwork. That being said, I’d rather eat lots of garlic than swallow a bunch of different pills if at all possible. Combined with a whole-food-based, healthy diet, and some exercise, garlic may be just what you need to get off those meds.
Remember don’t stop your medications without speaking to your physician or health care provider!
Garlic May Even Help Slow Down Aging
Last but not least, let’s talk about slowing down aging. The same compounds that help you stay healthy may also help you live a longer life. Garlic has some antioxidant effects and this may play a role in this finding.
Not bad for a little bulb that comes from the ground and tastes delicious. Areas that have had garlic consumption have long had some of the longest living populations. While garlic isn’t the only reason for these long lives, it certainly seems to promote the slowdown of the aging process and improve overall health and well-being.
Conclusion
The many health benefits of garlic are a great excuse to start using it even more. Start with fresh garlic, slice it thinly, or chop it by hand and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking or eating it to give the active compounds a chance to activate. Don’t crush your garlic or you’ll lose some of the healthy properties.
Losing Weight for Your Immune System
Studies have repeatedly shown that losing weight can help you become healthier. But a big thing that many people don’t know that it also does can give your immune system a boost.
Loving Life — The Reboot!
Dominique
One Comment
Pingback: