Garlic health benefits

Garlic (Allium sativum) is grown all over the world and is a popular ingredient in the kitchen due to its strong aroma and delicious taste. To flavor meals, you can add fresh garlic, garlic powder, or garlic oil. However, throughout ancient history, garlic has been used in many countries over the centuries, primarily for its health and medicinal properties. 

History

Records show that garlic was used in ancient Egypt. Richard Rivlin wrote in his "Journal of Nutrition" that the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (460-370 BC), prescribed garlic for various ailments. He promoted using garlic to deal with respiration problems, parasites, indigestion, and fatigue. 

According to experts from Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanical Gardens of England, people in ancient India highly valued garlic for its therapeutic properties and also believed it to be an aphrodisiac. In the Middle East, East Asia, and Nepal, garlic has been used to treat bronchitis, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, liver disease, dysentery, flatulence, colic, intestinal parasites, rheumatism, diabetes, and fevers.

Garlic spread from Ancient Egypt to the ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley (modern-day Pakistan and western India). From there it went to China. The French, Spanish, and Portuguese brought garlic to the New World.

Benefits

• Garlic is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains traces of various other nutrients, such as selenium and fiber. 
• Garlic supplements may help prevent and reduce the severity of illnesses such as flu and the common cold, but more research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn.
• It has been shown to have a significant effect in lowering blood pressure in humans. Antioxidants found in garlic can protect against cell aging and damage.
• Garlic has traditionally been used in ancient cultures to reduce fatigue and improve the work performance of laborers. Most notably, it was given to Olympic athletic performance, but few human studies have been done.
• A study in menopausal women found that daily dried garlic extract (2 grams of raw garlic) significantly reduced markers of estrogen deficiency, but more human studies are needed.
• There are many different varieties of garlic, including whole cloves, powders, and garlic oil. Garlic complements most delicious dishes, especially soups, and sauces. The strong taste of garlic can add a special touch to an otherwise mundane recipe.

Side effects of garlic

• Be aware that garlic has downsides such as the bad breath. Also, some people have allergies.
• If you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before increasing your garlic intake.
• Garlic has a lot of fructans, just like onions, leeks, and asparagus. Fructans are a type of carbohydrate that can cause gas, bloating, and stomach pain in some people. If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), consider reducing your intake of garlic. Garlic can decrease the lower esophageal sphincter, causing reflux and systems such as heartburn and nausea.