This post will provide information on "what are the health benefits of garlic (Allium sativum)?" as well as provide answers to questions like: Can garlic cause liver damage? What are the side effects of eating raw garlic every day? How much garlic per day is safe? What are the health benefits of garlic? What garlic can cure? What happens if you eat too much garlic?
Garlic with a botanical name of Allium sativum, is used widely as a flavoring in cooking, but it has also been used as a medicine throughout ancient and modern history; it has been taken to prevent and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years. Records indicate that garlic was in use when the Giza pyramids were built, about 5,000 years ago. Richard S. Rivlin wrote in the Journal of Nutrition that the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates (circa. 460-370 BC), known today as “the father of Western medicine,” prescribed garlic for a wide range of conditions and illnesses. Hippocrates promoted the use of garlic for treating respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion, and fatigue. The original Olympic athletes in Ancient Greece were given garlic – possibly the earliest example of “performance enhancing” agents used in sports.
- Garlic is widely used for several conditions linked to the blood system and heart, including atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), high cholesterol, heart attack, coronary heart disease, and hypertension
- Garlic is used by some people for the prevention of lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, rectal cancer, and colon cancer
- Garlic is highly nutritious with very few calories
- Garlic can combat sickness, including the common cold
- The Active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure
- Garlic improves cholesterol levels, which lowers the risk of heart disease
- Garlic contains antioxidants that prevents alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Garlic can help you live longer
- Athletic performance can be improved with garlic supplements
- Consuming garlic can help detoxify heavy metals in the body
- Garlic May Improve Bone Health
Garlic can cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, gas, and diarrhea. These side effects are often worse with raw garlic. Garlic might also increase the risk of bleeding and cause allergic reactions in some people.