7 Proven Health Benefits of Eating Garlic

Garlic has been known for its health benefits for centuries and not just for its strong aroma. Several researchers have touted garlic as a natural remedy for various health conditions. Loaded with essential compounds such as allicin, garlic is much more than a staple kitchen ingredient.

Here are a few major reasons why adding garlic to your everyday diet can be surprisingly beneficial.

If you catch colds quite frequently, garlic might do the magic. It has antibacterial and antiviral properties that come from compounds such as allicin, which help the body fight off infections. Furthermore, even studies have shown that consuming garlic can reduce the risk of catching a cold by up to 63 percent while shortening its duration by 70 percent.

Garlic is also considered to be a natural solution for managing high blood pressure, which is perhaps one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. Did you know that taking aged garlic extract in doses of 600 to 1,500 mg per day can reduce blood pressure by 10-12 percent—the results quite similar to some prescription medicines?

If you’re someone who is concerned about heart health, garlic may be a simple dietary fix. It’s known to lower LDL, or bad cholesterol, without affecting HDL, or good cholesterol. Just adding garlic to your meals can be your next step towards better heart health.

Garlic is rich in antioxidants that help fight free radicals responsible for inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. These properties also help protect against serious health conditions, including heart diseases, Alzheimer's, and other age-related concerns.

In ancient times, garlic was given to athletes to improve endurance and strength. The best part—modern science also agrees to it. As per studies, garlic supplementation can reduce exercise-induced fatigue and improve physical performance by helping regulate heart rate.

Garlic contains powerful sulfur compounds that help eliminate harmful toxins from the body. In a study that involved factory workers, it was noticed that reduced blood lead levels by 19 percent also showed significant improvement in symptoms such as headaches and fatigue.

Garlic can help maintain strong bones, especially in women. Yes, as per research, consuming garlic regularly may increase estrogen levels, which plays a big role in preventing bone density loss while also reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

The magic of garlic has been reciprocated for thousands of years. And now even modern science has proved it. For most people, garlic is safe and a gateway to multiple health benefits, from improving heart health to detoxifying the body. Just a simple addition to your diet can actually do more than what you thought.