The Miracle Herb

The Miracle Herb

“Garlic helps prevent liver problems, flatulence, intestinal worms, rheumatism, controls blood sugar and fever and also fights respiratory problems”

Allium Sativum

This pungent herb has been utilised by people for thousands of years for both therapeutic and culinary purposes as well. Scientifically known as alliumsativum, garlic is used mainly as a flavouring agent widely around the world. Garlic also has numerous medicinal properties that help prevent many health related problems.

Medicinal Properties

Garlic plays a vital role in treating cardiovascular problems like increased blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis. It helps prevent liver problems, flatulence, intestinal worms, rheumatism, controls blood sugar and fever and also fights against respiratory problems. It is also used to build immunity and treat bacterial and fungal infections.

The Compound Allicin

Garlic gets its pungent smell due to the presence of a number of sulphur rich compounds. The compound allicin has many anti-viral, anti-bacterial,antioxidant and anti-f ungal properties. Experts believe that it is best to eat garlic after chopping or mincing it and letting it rest for a while.

Health Benefits Of Garlic

Protects The Heart

Consuming garlic regularly for two months helps in reducing LOL by 3-l5mg/dl and total cholesterol by 11- 23mg/dl in adults with dyslipedemia. The anti-clotting properties of apene, a compound present in garlic, helps prevent the formation of dots inside the blood vessels. The sulphur-rich compounds of garlic also prevent the blood vessels from getting blocked and slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Garlic also helps protect the heart from the damaging effects of free radicals. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch and garlic can help maintain this elasticity.

Cancer Fighting Properties

Garlic reduces the risk of different types of cancer. Garlic’s anti-cancer properties are due to the presence of allyl suiphides which inhibit the transformation of PhlP (a type of compound that has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer) into carcinogens.

Combats Skin Infections And Allergies

Garlic is full of essential compounds that help prevent viral and bacterial infections. Consuming raw garlic is also said to kill bacteria like e-coli and others that cause food poisoning in people. It is also great in treating skin infections as it contains antiviral and antibacterial properties. Ajoene, the compound present in garlic, is also said to cure numerous skin infections.

Reduces Blood Pressure

The polysulphides present in this herb are converted into hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells that helps dilate the blood vessels and helps control blood pressure.

If your blood pressure levels are of concern, there are natural alternatives to control it, instead of using blood pressure medication that you can try after a consultation with a doctor. Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II (a protein that is responsible for an increase in blood pressure) and helps in reducing blood pressure levels.

Keeps Your Respiratory System Healthy

Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis. The daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency of colds. Also, its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations.

Regulates Blood Sugar Levels

This herb increases the levels of insulin and regulates blood sugar levels in the body, especially in diabetics.

Combats Anaemia

Dially sulphides present in garlic increase the production of ferroportin (a protein that helps in the absorption and release of iron) and improves iron metabolism that is helpful in preventing iron deficiency and associated diseases like anaemia.

Nutrition

Garlic is a low calorie food packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals. It is rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, manganese and other minerals in trace amounts.

Nutritional Composition (100 Grams)

Energy – l49Kcals, Carbohydrates – 3306g, Proteins -60g, Fat -0.5g, Thiamine – 0.2mg, Riboflavin – 0.11mg, Vitamin C – 31.2mg, Calcium – 181mg, Magnesium – 25mg, Potassium – 401mg

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