Eat garlic, it prevents heart disease

Best known as food flavouring, garlic has been found to be medicinal. It helps to prevent a wide range of diseases related to the heart and blood system like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Take enough garlic supplements to equal one or two cloves of garlic. It is best, if you are able to take these supplements daily, with food. Garlic could be very efficient in slowing the development of atherosclerosis and it seems to help in modestly reducing blood pressure. Research has shown that garlic lowers total cholesterol levels while improving HDL cholesterol level, an important protective factor for prevention of heart disease. It revealed that LDL cholesterol levels were reduced by 11 percent after 12 weeks of garlic supplementation, while another study showed that individuals taking garlic extract for 16 weeks would have reduced their cholesterol levels by 12 percent and their triglycerides by 17 percent.

Garlic is a fantastic source of vitamin B6, as well as a very good source of selenium, manganese and vitamin C. it is also a good source of calcium, phosphorus, iron, potassium and copper. Garlic has some anti-cancer properties. Scientific evidence is especially strong for a connection between garlic and the prevention of stomach and prostrates cancers, and studies have revealed that as little as 2 or more garlic a week could offer protection against cancer of the colon. Substances present in garlic have been proven to protect cells in the colon from toxicity of cancer causing chemicals as well as to stop the growth of cancer cells as soon as they start to develop.

Garlic is an effective anti-bacterial. The antimicrobial activity is due to the compound allicin, which has shown to be effective against common infections like flu and cough, candida yeast and stomach viruses as well as against powerful pathogenic microbes, such as botulism and tuberculosis.

Garlic could help to improve the birth weight of babies and reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia complications at birth. In taking garlic supplements however, always follow the package instructions. It is also wise to consult a licensed medical professional before starting any supplements. Do not take garlic if you are on anti-coagulant medication, anti-HIV medication or hypoglycemic drugs.

If you are pregnant, large doses of garlic could cause contractions, so be cautious and consult your doctor. If you are breastfeeding, raw garlic consumption may give your milk a “garlicky taste.” This is harmless to babies.