Health Benefits of Garlic

 10 Proven Health Benefits of Eating Garlic Daily

Garlic is one of the most well-known health foods in the world. While some may find the smell off-putting, garlic’s numerous health benefits make it worth trying to get used to! Below are 10 proven health benefits of eating garlic daily

Garlic has many health benefits. Not only does it have antimicrobial properties, but it also supports cardiovascular health and even helps fight cancer. Yes, that’s right; you can eat your way to better health with garlic. Whether you eat a clove or two every day or use garlic in your cooking, there’s no doubt about it: garlic is good for you! Here are ten proven benefits of eating garlic daily.

1) It helps fight infections

If you’re trying to ward off a cold or fight off an infection, garlic can help. According to research published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, eating garlic daily can help lower your risk for upper respiratory tract infections. This is especially true if you eat two raw cloves at least five days a week.

2) Helps lower blood pressure

Compounds in garlic have been shown to reduce blood pressure, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Studies have found that people with high blood pressure who took garlic supplements lowered their systolic blood pressure by as much as 10 points, while their diastolic blood pressure dropped as much as 5 points—the equivalent of a heart-healthy diet plus exercise. Those are huge numbers when it comes to controlling hypertension and heart disease risk! 

3) Fights cancer

The sulfur compounds in garlic have been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth, potentially protecting against colon, stomach, breast and bladder cancers. Many also believe that consuming garlic can ward off colds and flu. Some preliminary research has indicated that a compound found in garlic called allicin may help boost immunity by decreasing infection-causing bacteria’s ability to bind to mucous membranes while increasing production of infection-fighting antibodies.

4) Lowers cholesterol levels

According to a 2010 study published in Lipids in Health and Disease, consuming garlic as part of a daily diet can significantly lower levels of bad cholesterol. Research has also shown that garlic can reduce total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are two important indicators of heart disease risk. Several studies have also found that garlic may be effective at lowering blood pressure, further reducing heart disease risk.

5) Helps keep your heart healthy

It’s no secret that garlic has long been associated with a healthy heart. That’s because it contains flavonoids and other antioxidants which have been proven to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, and help keep your cardiovascular system functioning at its best. Studies have shown that people who eat just one clove of garlic a day may lower their risk for heart disease by as much as 20 percent.  Doesn’t it take much to see results?

6) Kills bacteria in your gut

Garlic contains allicin, a powerful antimicrobial compound that kills harmful bacteria in your gut. This is great news because bad bacteria can cause bloating and constipation. For a simple way to support good digestion, try eating garlic every day!

7) Prevents yeast infections

According to a study published in 2010 in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, consuming two or more garlic cloves a day prevents yeast infections. The researchers attributed garlic’s antifungal properties to certain organosulfur compounds, like allicin, which are also responsible for garlic’s pungent odor. If you want an even stronger dose of these nutrients, take garlic supplements instead (but be aware that taking too much can cause stomach upset).

8) Treats bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease

In addition to being delicious, garlic is also one of nature’s most powerful tools for fighting bad breath. When consumed regularly, garlic will improve your breath while also strengthening your teeth and reducing plaque and gingivitis. The antibiotic properties in garlic can even fight tooth decay and gum disease.

9) Improves your immune system

The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, has been proven to have antibacterial properties and helps boost your immune system. Furthermore, a study at Queen Mary University of London found that garlic can prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria like Helicobacter pylori responsible for ulcers. Garlic has also been shown to slow down tumor growth in animals with cancer, thereby inhibiting its spread. All in all, eating garlic daily is a good way to boost your immune system and stay healthy.

10) Cures athlete's foot

Walking barefoot at gyms and public showers is a surefire way to get athletes foot. To keep yourself safe from getting fungal infections, try crushing garlic with water until it forms a paste. Then apply it on your feet and cover them with socks to keep your toes dry. Let it sit for an hour, then rinse off. You'll smell like gourmet garlic bread, but you can thank us later when you're free from athlete's foot!