What are the Medicinal or Health Benefits of Garlic (Allium Sativum)

Discover 8 Top Health benefits of garlic

Before we begin our discussion on the Health benefits of garlic, I will like us to first of all have a brief and general overview of Garlic.

What is Garlic?

The botanical name for Garlic is Allium Sativum.  Garlic  is a plant with a very strong  flavor which has been used for both culinary uses and medical purposes for hundreds of years. 


What is the Key Medicinal Ingredient in Garlic?
The key medicinal ingredient in garlic is allicin, which is known to have wonderful anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties.

Why do we need to take or eat Garlic?

What are the Benefits of Garlic?

We need to take or eat garlic not just for eating sake but for its medicinal and health benefits.  Research has shown that Garlic can be used to treat health problems like

1. High Cholestrol
2. Parasites
3. Respiratory problems
4. Poor digestion
5. Low energy

Research and studies on the various medicinal and health benefits of garlic  have shown  that frequent eating garlic helps to reduce  blood pressure.  This is very helpful for people or individuals who suffer high blood pressure.  It has also been shown that eating garlic helps in the control of blood sugar.  This is of great benefits to individuals who suffer from Diabetes Melitus.   In addition to these, eating garlic also help to reduce blood cholesterol, and boosts the immune system. 


Garlic consumption has also been found to reduce the risk of esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer, etc


Should I take Garlic Raw or Cooked?
It is nor advisable to take garlic in its raw form; this is because the enzyme necessary to produce allicin may be destroyed in the stomach before having any  effect on the body. For this reason, dried  garlic tablets are more suitable to take.


Studies have shown that other forms of garlic such as cooked garlic, pickled garlic, and aged garlic are also beneficial.

Health or Medicinal Uses of Garlic

1. Garlic is used in the treatment of allergies.
2. Garlic is used in the treatment of Coughs and Other throat irritations; 
3. Garlic is used in reducing the severity of upper respiratory tract infections.  
4. It is used in the regulation of blood sugar in Diabetes patients by increasing the release of insulin. in upper.
5. It is used in the reduction of blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
6. Taking 600-900mg of garlic everyday lowers cholesterol level in the body and reduces the formation of arterial plaque by 5 - 18 %
7. Garlic can be used to cure toothaches
8. Garlic can be used to fight warts and a number of skin problems.

Side Effects of Garlic

Individuals  who are allergic to garlic  may suffer from stomach irritation, heartburn, or flatulence.

Health Benefits of Garlic  |  Culinary Uses of Garlic | What is Garlic