Garlic Benefits for Health Counter Cancer, Heart Problems

garlic uses

Garlic health benefits seem to surprise most of us who see it as only a spice. Well, there is more to garlic than being spice alone. The best thing about garlic is that it can be used as cooked and raw both and even as dry powder.  Yes, it does smell bad, but if you look into the garlic benefits, you will be surprised to find that this is a wonder spice that can work wonders for your health, from adding a flavor to your recipes to treating several ills that affect our health, thanks to our modern lives.

Say No To Cancer With Garlic

Also called “stinking rose,” garlic is one of the favorite natural ingredients found in nature’s pharmacy. Its use as a treatment for various respiratory problems, worms, intestinal disorders, wounds, flatulence, and skin diseases has been known since ages for over 5,000 years. Garlic use first came in the news in World War II, when it was used as an antiseptic for the treatment of wounds and prevent gangrene from spreading.

garlic remedies

Cancer continues to remain a dreaded word. Being rich in antioxidants, garlic helps the body fight off free radicals and kills cancer cells. It may strengthen the immune system. Test tube studies have shown that garlic kills cancer cells. Research reveals that those eating garlic regularly, either in raw or cooked form, is less likely to get colon and stomach cancer. 

In a study conducted on 50 people, who were diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic, colorectal, or liver cancer, there was significant improvement in the immune activity after they took garlic extract for a period of 6 months.

According to a research conducted at the Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, those who weekly ate raw garlic two times reported 44 percent lower risk of lung cancer. Researchers concluded that “garlic may potentially serve as a chemo-preventive agent for lung cancer."

garlic health benefits

Garlic is rich in organo-sulfur compounds that are known as effective in eradicating brain tumor cells.

Medical University of South Carolina researchers note in journal Cancer that garlic comprises three pure organo-sulfur compounds, including DAS, DADS, and DATS, which are highly effective in controlling the growth of malignant brain cancer cells, with DATS being the most effective of all.

Garlic is also known to protect your body from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Garlic Is A Powerful Antibiotic

Garlic comprises Diallyl sulfide compound, which is 100 times effective than the most popular antibiotics available. Its potent antibiotic properties fight Campylobacter bacterium, which is known to cause intestinal infections, as per a study in the Antimicrobial Chemotherapy Journal.

garlic antibiotic

In India, garlic is widely popular for its antibiotic properties, which helps prevent food poisoning.

It is known to kill E. coli bacteria, salmonella, and staphylococcus, reducing the risk of food poisoning.

Save Your Heart 

In India, we often swallow garlic with water on empty stomach to reduce plaque development and bad cholesterol levels in our bodies. It is rich in Diallyl trisulfide, which is effective as a heart failure treatment and helps protect the heart after an attack as well as during cardiac surgery, according to Emory University School of Medicine scientists. The garlic oil component is also known as safer than hydrogen sulfide gas to benefit the heart and protect it from damage.

Laboratory experiments presented in the November 2011 American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions conference in Orlando show that mice receiving diallyl sulfide after heart attack suffered almost 61% less heart damage compared to their untreated companions. Garlic uses are profound for the heart. It is also known to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

   Other Garlic Remedies

• If you have diabetes, garlic could hold the key to protecting you from cardiomyopathy, according to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. The leading cause of diabetes death, cardiomyopathy is a chronic disease of the heart muscle that becomes abnormally stiffened, enlarged, and thickened. The study concluded that garlic oil has a huge potential for protecting hearts of diabetes from cardiomyopathy.
• For a severe bout of cold and flu, taking small amounts of garlic could help relieve you from the infection. The best part about garlic remedies is that it does not have any major side effects and reduces frequency of flu significantly. Two to three cloves of raw garlic a day could hold the key to a speedy recovery from cold.
• If you are unhappy about the pimple marks, blemishes on your skin, then garlic can help. It works as a blood cleanser, since it is a rich antioxidant. The herbal antibiotic may be used topically for acne and warts treatment. Rub garlic clove directly onto the affected area to experience relief from skin marks. However, people with sensitive skin might want to refrain from using garlic, as they may get a “garlic burn.”
• If you have earache, garlic can work as a remedy. Frying two-three garlic cloves in mustard oil and then dropping the warm oil in your ears can help relieve ear pain.
• If your non-stop hair loss is a concern, use garlic remedy to treat your problem. Rich in allicin, it is an effective treatment for hair fall. Rub sliced garlic cloves on your scalp, and enjoy the benefits of this natural remedy. 
• If a loved one is suffering from psoriasis, garlic can be used as a remedy, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.  Enjoy a rash-free skin by rubbing garlic oil over the affected area.
• If you have an athlete's foot, use garlic for its anti-fungal properties and heal yourself naturally. 

Garlic uses for weight loss are also highlighted by a few researchers, though more research is under way in this regard. 

Garlic changes color

Yesterday, I decided to make garlic pickle with apple cider vinegar. All I did was take a small bottle, add ACV and blanched garlic cloves to it. Today, to my surprise, the garlic had changed to turquoise! I was wondering whether this is due to some chemical reaction and if such garlic is safe to use.  My Internet research shows that it is normal for garlic to change color in an acidic solution, as the sulphrous compounds in the herb react with the acids and cause the color change in garlic. Such garlic is safe for use!

References

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/09/25/benefits-of-garlic_n_3990616.html

http://healthandwellness.kaplan.edu/articles/nutrition/Remedies%20from%20the%20Kitchen%20Cupboard%20-%20Garlic.html

http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/garlic

http://www.naturalblaze.com/2013/04/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-garlic.html

http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-300-garlic.aspx?activeingredientid=300&activeingredientname=garlic

http://authoritynutrition.com/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic/

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