Garlic Health Benefits – What You Need to Know
Garlic is widely known as a food flavoring that is closely related to the onion, chive, and leek. The pungent herb pairs well with meats, pasta, and even salads. For centuries, it has also been a medicinal herb, used to treat and prevent an array of conditions and diseases. Today, researchers continue to study the garlic health benefits for cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and cholesterol support.
Garlic Health Benefits and Cancer
Garlic contains naturally occurring sulfur compounds that researchers continue to study for their potential role in cellular health. Laboratory studies have explored how these compounds interact with processes involved in cell growth and protection.
Although garlic has a long history of traditional use, research has not established that eating garlic or taking garlic supplements prevents or treats cancer. Including garlic as part of a varied, nutrient-rich diet is a practical way to enjoy its natural compounds and flavor.
Garlic and Gut Health
Garlic contains prebiotic fibers that help feed the beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, which support the gut microbiome and make garlic a great addition to a gut-healthy diet. When taken with probiotics, it may help improve digestion for some people. Many also use probiotics to treat diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome, a condition that also causes stomach cramping and bloating.
However, garlic doesn’t agree with everyone. Its fermentable carbohydrates can contribute to gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort, particularly in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As with many foods, individual tolerance matters.
Immunity
Garlic has traditionally been used to support immune health because of its sulfur compounds and antioxidants. Research shows that garlic stimulates key infection-fighting cells in the body and helps fight microbes due to its allicin content, a natural antimicrobial, which also has anti-parasitic properties, although it is not a standalone treatment for parasitic infections.
Studies also show that regularly taking aged garlic may reduce the severity of your cold and flu.
Other Uses for Garlic
Whether you slice it, dice it, or mince it, enjoy the flavor of garlic and consider using it to support a healthy immune system, especially during cold or flu season. If you do not care for the taste, try using herbal preparations such as tablets or capsules. The benefits of this bulbous herb are boundless.
Cautions
Because garlic may interfere with some medications, it is best to consult a medical professional before using it as an herbal medicine. In addition, it may have a blood-thinning effect, which can cause some problems for people with certain health conditions. Garlic supplements may increase bleeding risk, particularly for people taking blood-thinning medications or preparing for surgery.
