Health

8 hidden health benefits of garlic

Feb 23, 2016

“Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food”.

These are famous words from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine. He was a firm believer in the use of garlic for treating variety of medical conditions.

And it’s good news for us in modern society: researchers have confirmed many of these benefits.

Here are 8 proven health benefits of garlic:

1. It’s low in calories

Garlic contains calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and Vitamin B1, but just 42 calories, making it a nutritious addition to soups and dishes.

2. It can cure sickness and the common cold

Most of us know garlic is known to boost the function of the immune system but did you know a recent study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63 per cent compared with placebo?

If you often get colds, then adding garlic to your diet could help reduce symptoms quickly.

3. It can reduce blood pressure

Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in the world, so we should be doing whatever we can to lower our risk.

Studies have found garlic supplementation has a significant impact on reducing blood pressure in people who have hypertension.

The amount of allicin needed is equivalent to about four cloves of garlic per day.

4. It’s great for your brain and could reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Garlic contains antioxidants that support the body’s protective mechanisms against damage to the brain, and high doses of garlic have been shown to increase antioxidant levels.

5. Garlic could improve your bone health

Studies have shown that it can minimise bone loss by increasing oestrogen in females. One study in menopausal women found that a daily dose of dry garlic extract significantly decreased oestrogen deficiency.

6. It can relieve thyroid conditions

Garlic contains high levels of iodine which makes it a very effective treatment for hyperthyroid sufferers.

7. Gets rid of fungal and bacterial infections

When crushed or bruised, garlic releases allicin which is a sulphuric compound that is a natural antibiotic. If you decide to take garlic in tablet form be sure to use powdered capsules.

8. Grow beautiful hair

Garlic could end your hair loss problems because of its high levels of allicin. It sounds unusual but rubbing sliced cloves of garlic on your scalp can be beneficial for strengthening hair.