Nature always places in our hands the tools with which we can defend ourselves against many diseases. On this occasion, garlic is the protagonist of health for the human being.
So small, but with very powerful medicinal properties , and also standing out in gastronomy, as well as in the preparation of home remedies for the benefit of human health.
Then, in the following article, we present the benefits of garlic , so that you can enjoy its therapeutic benefits.
What is garlic?
Garlic or Allium sativum is a bulbous, perennial and rustic plant that belongs to the Liliaceae family, subfam . The color of the layer that surrounds the garlic is its differentiating element, in which different types can be distinguished: white or common garlic, purple or pink garlic and tender garlic or garlic garlic.
Note: The origin of garlic is located in Central Asia . The species we know today ( Allium Sativum ) comes from a variety from this area.
Health benefits of garlic
The various benefits of this bulb are given by the amount of chemical and nutritional components that give it many beneficial properties for various diseases in the body. We present some of them:
1. Strengthens the immune system
Garlic, thanks to its various antioxidant components such as vitamin C, vitamin E , S-allyl cysteine or alliin, helps the liver produce a substance called glutathione, in addition to allicin, making it a powerful ally against pathologies derived from oxidative damage to cells.
To highlight: In a study on ” Glutathione and its association with neurodegenerative diseases, schizophrenia, aging and cerebral ischemia” , details the action of this molecule on the oxidative damage of neurovegetative diseases. (1)
2. Reduces bad cholesterol levels
Garlic contains antioxidants that have a powerful effect on low-density cholesterol , helping to reduce this type of lipid. The key compound for this therapeutic action is allicin.
An article on “Garlic as a Lipid Lowering Agent—A Meta-Analysis” concludes after a scientific literature review that allicin appears to significantly reduce total serum cholesterol. (two)
Another article on “Ajoene prevents the digestion of fats by human gastric lipase in vitro” , points out the ability of this compound to reduce blood levels of triacylglycerol. (3)
3. Improves blood circulation
Garlic has properties and positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors , since it reduces hyperlipidemia and hypertension. This is because it restricts the formation of atheromas in the walls of veins and arteries, caused by dyslipidemia, improving blood circulation and reducing blood pressure in hypertensive people.
Note: Garlic has great potential as an anti-atherosclerotic agent.
4. Balance glucose levels
Another of the main benefits of garlic is its antidiabetic property . It is said that the compound S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide, the antioxidant compound of this bulb, is responsible for this effect.
Important: An in vitro study entitled “Antidiabetic effect of garlic (Allium sativum L.) in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats” concludes that, according to the results obtained, this plant should be considered a valid option for the treatment of diabetes. mellitus . (4)
5. Neutralizes free radicals
A large number of the compounds that make up garlic are considered important antioxidants whose main function is to neutralize the action of free radicals on the body’s cells, promoting a lower risk of cellular aging.
Among these compounds are vitamin C, vitamin E, polyphenol and sulfur compounds, among others.
Note: The hypoglycemic potency of garlic is attributed to the sulfur compounds present in di-(2-propenyl)-disulfite and 2-propenyl propyl bisulfite.
6. Fight bacteria, fungi and viruses
Natural medicine has considered garlic as an effective natural antibiotic against a large number of microorganisms due to compounds such as allicin and ajoene. Research has shown that garlic stimulates the body’s immune cells , which kill pathogens and abnormal cells in the body.
This thanks to the presence of allicin in garlic, according to a study on “Garlic Revisited: Antimicrobial activity of allicin and containing garlic extracts against Burkholderia cepacia complex” . (5)
7. Reduces joint pain
Garlic contains organic sulfur compounds such as allicin, which have positive effects on the immune system and inflammatory processes . This is how a review article on “Effect of phytochemical compounds from the genus Allium on the immune system and the inflammatory response” refers to it . (6)
8. Promotes digestion
There are numerous literary publications regarding the benefits of garlic on the digestive system, since it is considered an antidiarrheal, antiseptic of pathogenic bacterial flora, antidyspeptic, cholagogue and choleretic.
Garlic is also considered an anthelmintic . The greatest participation in these properties is held by alanine, the key compound of this bulb.
Note: Allicin stimulates gastric juices so that food is assimilated more easily.
9. Eliminates toxins from the body
The body has two organs, whose main function is to detoxify the body of metabolic waste and toxic substances that enter the body through different routes.
These organs are the liver and kidneys. Compounds such as s-allyl cysteine and s-allyl mercaptan cysteine, with their antioxidant activity, collaborate with these organs in the processes of eliminating toxins in the body , including free radicals.
10. Combat respiratory conditions
Garlic has a strong antibiotic action (thanks to allicin), which participates in the elimination of microorganisms that can cause respiratory infections, preventing the appearance of common disorders such as flu and colds.
Note: The consumption of raw garlic provides essential nutrients that stimulate the cleansing of the lungs.
11. Lowers the risk of cancer
It has been documented that people who consume garlic daily have a lower incidence of carcinogenic pathologies , and the evidence is stronger for prostate and stomach cancer.
In this sense, a study on “Cytotoxicity and efficacy of elimination of cancer cells (HeLa) of the aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum)” , demonstrated the effectiveness of the aqueous extract of garlic on cervical carcinoma cells. (7)
12. Reduces the risk of preterm labor
The literature agrees on this point, in that the consumption of garlic and the benefits of its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties , prevents the attack of pathogens during the period of pregnancy of the woman, which increase the risk of premature birth or in situations of emergency. more seriously, abortion.
Important: People who have diseases related to bleeding, hyperthyroidism, decreased platelets or who are undergoing anticoagulant or hemostatic treatments, the consumption of garlic is contraindicated.
garlic properties
The nutritional compounds of garlic give this bulb a very peculiar characteristic . We mention its nutritional and chemical properties:
vitamins
The cloves contained in the garlic bulb provide beneficial vitamins such as vitamin A (retinol), vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B3 ( niacin ), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B9 (folic acid or folate). ), vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherol).
minerals
The minerals that stand out in garlic are sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc and magnesium . All of them act in combination with vitamins and antioxidants, to offer varied and effective therapeutic solutions.
It also has sulfur compounds such as: alixin, allicin, alliin, adenosine, allyl methane thiosulfinate, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, allyl methyl thiosulfinate, S-allyl mercapto cysteine, 2-vinyl-4H-1,2-ditiin and 5-allylcysteine.
Likewise, up to 17 amino acids have been isolated , among which are: aspartic acid, asparagine, alanine, arginine, histidine, methionine, phenylalanine, leucine, serine, threonine, proline, tryptophan and valine, important for protein production.
Note: The alliin compound is responsible for the strong smell and strong taste of garlic once crushed.
How to consume garlic?
Garlic is very versatile at this point, but mainly gastronomy directs the way this vegetable is consumed. Here we mention the most frequent:
Raw
On occasions when raw garlic is consumed, it must be peeled and crushed to release its components and make its medicinal properties more effective. A clove of garlic a day is enough. Consumed in this way it is an excellent remedy.
in meals
Garlic is an excellent ally in meals, salads and dressings. We must bear in mind that garlic, when cooked, loses approximately 90% of its properties.
Key Findings
- Garlic contains powerful antioxidants like alanine and ajoene.
- Mainly strengthens the immune system.
- It has antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties.
- It has protective effects on the circulatory system and the heart.
- It is a natural antibiotic and antiseptic .
- It can be eaten raw or integrated into meals to season them.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.