Garlic

Current research shows that garlic may have some real health benefits, such as protection against the common cold and the ability to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels

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

Those are famous words from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, often called the father of Western medicine.

He prescribed garlic to treat a variety of medical conditions — and modern science has confirmed many of these beneficial health effects.

10 Proven Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic contains compounds with potent medicinal properties
Garlic is a plant in the onion family that’s grown for its distinctive taste and health benefits. It contains sulfur compounds, which are believed to be responsible for some of those health benefits.
Garlic is highly nutritious but has very few calories
Garlic is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients.
Garlic can help protect against illness, including the common cold
Garlic supplements may help prevent and reduce the severity of illnesses like the flu and common cold
The active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure
High doses of garlic appear to improve blood pressure for those with known high blood pressure (hypertension). In some instances, supplements may be as effective as regular medications.
Garlic improves cholesterol levels, which may lower the risk of heart disease
Garlic supplements seem to reduce total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, particularly in those who have high cholesterol. HDL (good) cholesterol and triglycerides do not seem to be affected.
Garlic contains antioxidants that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Garlic contains antioxidants that can help protect against cell damage and aging. It may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Garlic may help you live longer
Garlic has known beneficial effects on common causes of chronic disease, so it makes sense that it could also help you live longer.
Athletic performance might be improved with garlic supplements
Garlic may improve physical performance in lab animals and people with heart disease. The benefits for people without heart disease are not yet conclusive
Eating garlic may help detoxify heavy metals in the body
Garlic was shown to significantly reduce lead toxicity and related symptoms in one study.
Garlic may improve bone health
Garlic appears to have some benefits for bone health by increasing estrogen levels in females, but more human studies are needed.

Note: This does not constitute medical advice, always consult your GP if you are concerned about your health.