Garlic reduces the viral load of covid-19: See the 50 benefits of garlic
Garlic is a strong-smelling, flavoring herb known for its many health benefits . It contains a powerful compound called allicin, which can help lower cholesterol, and even lower the viral load of covid 19. [1]
The health benefits of garlic may include relieving symptoms of the common cold, lowering blood pressure, and reducing the risk of heart and neurodegenerative diseases.
From culinary purposes to medicinal uses, it is truly versatile when it comes to choosing a healthy diet. Plus, it adds a delicious flavor to all your recipes. [two]
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Also, you can consume garlic in a variety of forms – such as garlic bread, garlic sauce, garlic mashed potatoes, and so on. With so many different uses, let’s explore the health benefits of garlic in detail.
Garlic is considered by many to be a super food . Low in calories and dense in nutrients (such as vitamin C , vitamin B 6 and manganese), there are thousands of scientific publications that attest to the health benefits of eating garlic .
What is garlic?
Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, is a close relative of the onion and is native to Central Asia.
The garlic bulb contains several cloves and each clove is covered with a soft translucent rind.
Garlic has been used as a spice in foods and as a traditional medicine for over 3,000 years. Sir Louis Pasteur, the scientist who discovered pasteurization, used the antibacterial qualities of this herb as early as 1858.
A report in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Research suggested that one clove a day can bring about a big improvement in your overall health, while two to three cloves a day can help ward off the common cold. [3] [4] [5]
Nutritional value of garlic:
Garlic has a very rich nutritional value; it is composed of vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, C, E), amino acids, adenosine, mineral salts (iron, selenium, sulfur, silicon, iodine and chromium), enzymes and biologically active compounds such as allicin.
Garlic is one of the rare dietary sources of organic compounds, allicin, alisatin 1 and alisatin 2. Now that we know the nutritional value of Garlic , let’s also get to know its benefits of Garlic. [6]
raw garlic benefits
Let’s look at the health benefits of garlic below.
Allicin (Dallylyl thiosulfinate) is the main thiol-reactive organosulfur compound produced by garlic plants ( Allium sativum ) after tissue damage.
Allicin exerts strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria and fungi via S-thioallylation of protein thiols and low molecular weight thiols.
Here, we investigated the effect of allicin on Vero E6 and Calu-3 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. Toxicity testing revealed that Calu-3 cells showed greater tolerance to allicin, likely due to >4-fold higher GSH levels compared to very sensitive Vero E6 cells.
Exposure of infected Vero E6 and Calu-3 cells to biocompatible doses of allicin led to an approximately 60–70% reduction in viral RNA and infectious viral particles. [7]
Relieve Colds and Coughs:
A 2014 article published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews cited a study that evaluated 146 participants over three months to find out what impact it had on patients suffering from a cold and cough.
As part of the study, the researchers divided the total number of participants into two equal groups.
One group took a placebo pill while the other group took a garlic pill.
At the end of the study, the researchers found that people who took garlic every day for three months instead of a placebo had fewer cold attacks compared to the placebo group. [8]
Helps to reduce hypertension:
According to a 2014 report published in the journal Integrated Blood Pressure Control , aged garlic extract has the ability to lower blood pressure in hypertensive individuals.
However, more studies are needed to see if they can be considered an alternative therapy for hypertension. [9]
Help lower cholesterol levels:
Raw garlic, rich in the compound allicin, can prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol. Research shows a reduction in cholesterol and triglycerides in rats consuming raw garlic. However, there is not enough research to definitively verify this health benefit. [8]
Boost heart health:
Garlic has significant cardioprotective properties, which can help prevent major heart conditions such as atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, thrombosis, hypertension, and more.
While most of the research reviewed supports the correlation between garlic intake and cardioprotection, according to the Nutrition Journal study , more research is needed to decide the proper form and dosage.
Careful control should be kept on the proper use of this herb, i.e. the use of different preparations available, dose, duration and its interaction with generic drugs. [10]
Help prevent neurodegenerative diseases:
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of raw garlic can help prevent future neurodegenerative diseases.
According to a study published in the Libyan Journal of Medicine , garlic and its preparations can help prevent the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
However, more studies are needed to identify the specific compounds in garlic responsible for its effects. [11]
Helps reduce the risk of dementia:
Oxidative damage may play a large role in cardiovascular disease and dementia, as the risk of these diseases increases with age.
Aged garlic extract (AGE) has antioxidant properties that can help reduce the risk of common brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
High doses of AGE have been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes as well as reduce oxidative stress for people with blood pressure issues. [12]
Helps in the healing process:
It can act as an effective herbal remedy for infected wounds. Place 2 crushed teeth into the infected area for immediate relief. [13]
Helps improve bone health:
Herbs like garlic and onions can affect estrogen levels in menopausal women, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.
They can also minimize bone loss and improve overall bone health in both men and women.
Also according to a study published in the journal Electronic Physician , garlic consumption can reduce oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of many diseases such as osteoporosis. [14] [15]
Boost digestion:
Including raw garlic cloves daily in your diet can help with digestive problems. Even the inflammation or irritation of the gastric canal can be reduced with this herb.
Garlic can help clear most intestinal problems like dysentery, diarrhea, and colitis. Its role in dispelling worms is phenomenal.
It doesn’t affect the good bacteria in the gut, but it does destroy the bad ones. Not only does it improve digestion, it can also help relieve stomach gas. [16]
Regulates blood sugar:
Eating raw garlic cloves can lower blood sugar levels, according to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition . [17]
Increase immunity:
Garlic has phytonutrients that can help reduce oxidative stress, strengthening your immunity. The herb can also reduce fatigue and increase energy.
A 2012 report in the African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines revealed a study conducted on mice to see if garlic played a contributory role in boosting immune function.
The researchers found that the extracts significantly increased the white blood cell count and showed more immune-boosting effects. [18]
Help with eye care:
It is rich in nutrients like selenium, quercetin and vitamin C, all of which can contribute to eye health and also help with eye infections and inflammation. [19]
Help prevent acne:
Garlic, along with other ingredients like honey, cream, and turmeric, can be used as a home remedy for acne scars and to block acne from appearing.
This herb can be effective for clearing the skin and being an antibiotic substance that can help resolve various skin problems including rashes, psoriasis, cold sores and blisters. In addition, it can also aid in cell synthesis, protecting against ultraviolet rays and delaying aging. [20]
Improves Circulation:
Garlic helps reduce bad cholesterol and prevents fat from sticking to arterial walls. In this way, garlic promotes good circulation and prevents arterial blockages ( atherosclerosis ), which is one of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes. In addition to purifying the blood and also reducing hypertension .
Helps control asthma:
Eating boiled garlic cloves can be an effective homeopathic remedy to reduce asthma symptoms.
Another suggested remedy is to drink a glass of milk with three boiled cloves every night before bed. It can bring subsequent relief to asthma patients.
Asthma attacks can be controlled with crushed cloves as well as malt vinegar. However, it is advisable to consult a specialist before trying these treatments at home. [21] [22]
Promotes weight loss:
For years, garlic has been used as a weight loss remedy. In animal models, it reduced the expression of genes involved in adipogenesis that leads to the formation of fat cells.
The herb increases thermogenesis, which can help burn fat and reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
This research has positive implications for reducing obesity in humans. [23] [24]
Prevent fatty liver:
Garlic is rich in S-ally-mercapto cysteine (SAMC) and antioxidants that may help prevent fatty liver, according to an animal study.
These compounds may also reduce the risk of liver damage. More research is needed to confirm these liver benefits. [25] [26]
Reduces UTI and kidney infections:
Garlic can prevent the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogen responsible for recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney infections.
Fresh garlic extract can also be used to prevent the growth of Candida vaginitis and E. coli infection. [27] [28]
Prevent hair loss:
The herb can help in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth.
Regular application of garlic gel or garlic-infused coconut oil can help with conditions like alopecia.
However, there is little information and research on this connection, so more studies are needed to confirm the scientific association. [29]
Antibacterial and antiparasitic effects:
Garlic extracts can help with Helicobacter pylori infection, tick bites, jock itch and athlete’s foot due to its antibacterial effects. [30]
Prevent peptic ulcer:
The antibacterial compounds present in the herb can eliminate stomach parasites that cause peptic ulcers. [31]
Relieves Earaches:
Due to the herb’s antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties, it can be used to relieve earaches and ear infections. [32]
Fight the Cold:
A clinical trial found that a garlic supplement was effective in reducing the number of colds by 63%, and in those who became ill in cold weather the healing process was shortened from five days to less than two days with the garlic supplement .
Try mixing 2-3 cloves of garlic with 1 tablespoon of honey for a cold remedy.
Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease:
The important antioxidants found in garlic help protect against cell damage that can contribute to dementia (and its most common form – Alzheimer’s disease).
Studies have shown that garlic extract , which is a concentrated and aged form of garlic , helps in reducing the risk of these diseases as well as cardiovascular disease.
Prevent Cancer:
Studies have revealed that those who consume raw garlic regularly have a lower incidence of certain cancers , including stomach, prostate and uterine cancer .
Laboratory studies have also disputed that garlic -derived oils fight the growth of breast cancer.
These studies have shown that compounds present in garlic prevent cancer cells from dividing, and so cancer grows . Furthermore, garlic is known to boost the immune system, which helps the body in identifying and eliminating cancer cells.
Avoid Poisoning:
Studies have attested that Garlic ‘s antifungal properties are an effective way to eliminate bad bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.
One study even showed that fresh garlic was more effective in treating Campylobacter than both types of chemical antibiotics.
Liver detox:
Garlic contains sulfur compounds that activate enzymes responsible for flushing toxins from the liver out of the body. Acylin and selenium (another nutrient found in garlic ) help protect the liver from future damage.
Bone Health:
Garlic is full of essential nutrients for the bone: such as zinc, manganese, vitamin B 6 and vitamin C , as well as enzymes and antioxidants that help in the absorption of calcium and in the formation of bones and connective tissues.
Helps with hypertrophy:
Studies done with animals report that some active principles contained in garlic contribute to an increase in protein synthesis and thus stimulate muscle hypertrophy.
This property of garlic is directly linked to the bulb’s effect on testosterone production .
In a recent study, two groups of rats were put on a high-protein diet (similar to that followed by bodybuilders).
Helps speed up metabolism:
Research reports that garlic has nutrients that significantly collaborate to increase metabolism, this is due to the high iron content contained in garlic .
Preliminary results look quite promising. When the mineral is stored in our cells, a protein known as ferropyrin is responsible for transporting it across the cell membrane back into the circulation .
Boost libido:
It is not today that Garlic has been used as an aphrodisiac food that improves sexual functions.
This property of garlic is due to its vasodilating effect, as the relaxation of the vessels results in a greater flow of blood to the genitals.
Combat Baldness:
Garlic is a boon for people with baldness or less hair. Apply to bald spots and leave until dry. Use this twice a day until you see the required result.
How to use garlic?
The herb can be eaten raw, but the flavor is so strong that most people often prefer to cook it or add it to various dishes before eating.
- You can mince, crush, slice, mince or even make garlic juice. Cutting it activates the enzyme allinase, which is highly beneficial for health.
- Minced garlic gives off a delicious, fragrant aroma when heated in olive oil. This can serve as a base for soups, stews and curries. It is one of the main ingredients of a good pasta sauce.
- The herb is also an essential ingredient in various types of toothpaste and mouthwashes as it helps prevent tooth decay and oral bacteria.
Revenues
How to make garlic tea for the flu
Ingredients:
- 5 minced garlic cloves
- 2 chopped red peppers
- 1 tablespoon of minced ginger
- juice of a lemon
- Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 1 peppers
How to make:
- You will need 350-500 ml bottle.
- First, put the minced garlic in a layer.
- After that, you must add the chopped peppers , in another layer, along with the seeds.
- At the end, add the ginger and pour in some lemon juice and organic apple cider vinegar .
- The next step is to seal the jar, leaving 1 centimeter of free space at the edge.
- You should put the bottle in the pantry and consume it regularly (at least 2 teaspoons daily).
- This recipe is a potent natural remedy and an immunity booster.
- You can prevent and treat a sore throat and flu /cold symptoms with this tonic, completely naturally.
The natural oils in garlic are very strong and in some people they can cause rashes on sensitive skin. So don’t forget to wear gloves when preparing this tonic.
Side effects:
Useful links:
Excessive intake can irritate the digestive system. Also, garlic can cause bad breath.