How to use Garlic and the benefits to your health
The Garlic
Garlic is a plant that consists of a bulb, which is commonly utilized in the kitchen for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of food. However, it also possesses medicinal properties that can be used as a natural supplement to complement the treatment of various health issues, including fungal infections and high blood pressure.
Garlic is abundant in sulfur compounds, particularly allicin, which imparts the distinctive odor associated with garlic and contributes to its functional properties. Furthermore, garlic is a good source of essential minerals that provide nourishment to the body, including potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Garlic can be consumed as a supplement or incorporated into dishes and marinades.
If you are considering using garlic as a supplement, we have listed some options in our 123Best series. However, it is important to note that like any supplement, you should discuss its usage with your doctor before incorporating it into your routine.
1. Herbal Roots Organic Whole Bulb Garlic Pills
Potent Extra Strength | 600 mg
This is a good option if you lack of the garlic clove in your daily meals. Still odorless Softgels, like most of the garlic supplement. The cost is a little higher for the mg available per pill but the herbal Roots is listed with the tops brands on Amazon
2. Sundown Naturals Garlic
250 Odorless Softgels | 1000 mg
Yes, the headline above is correct – the product mentioned has a significant difference of 1000mg compared to other brands. This particular product is labeled as 100% free of gluten, wheat, dairy, lactose, and artificial flavors. The pills are small in size, making them extremely easy to take. Therefore, if you are not accustomed to taking pills, this product would be a suitable option for you.
3. Carlyle Odorless Garlic
Gummies
The cost is slightly higher for the available count, but the Carlyle Gummies are listed among the top brands on Amazon. If you prefer gummies as a supplement form, you should definitely give them a try. They boast delicious natural apple-flavored gummies that do not have any harsh odor. It may sound unbelievable, but it’s something you have to try to believe.
Our 1.2.3.Best option = Sundown Naturals
Well, if you are familiar with taking supplements, you probably know this already. Sundown is one of the most widely used brands in the market, and I personally have used and liked it. In terms of supplement value, I find it to be more effective. I’m not particularly a fan of gummies, so this brand works well for me in terms of cost and benefit. It’s quite remarkable that almost everyone we know is aware of this brand. Even members of our team were using it before we even considered writing this article. During the COVID pandemic, I relied on taking two of these supplements per day (in addition to other supplements), and it made a significant difference throughout that period.
Although the supplement is easy to ingest, garlic cloves can also be used to season meats, salads, sauces, and pasta, among other dishes. Additionally, garlic tea or garlic water can be prepared, which, when consumed regularly, can help lower cholesterol levels and protect the heart. Generally, to obtain its benefits, it is recommended to consume 1 clove of fresh garlic per day. A helpful tip to enhance its beneficial properties is to mince or crush the garlic and let it rest for 10 minutes before using it. This allows for an increased amount of allicin, which is primarily responsible for its health-promoting properties.
Here are the top 7 benefits of consuming garlic overall:
1. Fighting viral, fungal, and bacterial infections:
Garlic contains a sulfur compound called allicin, which exhibits antimicrobial properties. It can inhibit the growth and proliferation of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Garlic can also help eliminate toxins and pathological bacteria that affect the intestinal flora, making it useful in complementing the treatment of worm infections.
2. Preventing colon cancer:
The sulfur compounds present in garlic, such as allicin and alliin, contribute to its antioxidant action, which prevents the formation of free radicals and protects the body’s cells. These compounds also stimulate certain enzymes that detoxify the body, reducing the risk of colon cancer.
3. Protecting heart health:
Garlic helps reduce levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood by inhibiting their oxidation. This action reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, which can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, garlic has a slight antihypertensive effect, regulates blood pressure, improves blood circulation, and prevents excessive platelet aggregation, reducing the likelihood of clot formation.
4. Improving inflammatory diseases:
The sulfuric compounds in garlic exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the body’s response to diseases that cause chronic inflammation. Therefore, garlic can be used to alleviate pain, regulate the immune system response, and provide relief in some inflammatory conditions.
5. Preventing respiratory diseases:
Garlic possesses expectorant and antiseptic properties that help stimulate respiratory functions, making breathing easier. It can be used to treat conditions such as the flu, coughs, colds, snoring, asthma, bronchitis, and other lung problems.
6. Supporting brain health:
Regular consumption of garlic, thanks to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions provided by allicin and sulfur, as well as its selenium and choline content, helps protect brain cells and reduce damage caused by free radicals. This protection is beneficial in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Garlic has the potential to improve memory, promote learning, and enhance overall brain health.
7. Assisting in diabetes control:
Some studies suggest that garlic possesses antidiabetic properties related to its ability to increase insulin secretion by the beta cells of the pancreas. This improvement in insulin functioning can help prevent and control diabetes.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to discuss the use of garlic with your doctor or nutritionist before incorporating it into your routine.
