When it comes to a cold or flu, modern medicine can’t really do much for you. Antibiotics are only helpful for bacterial infections. But garlic can help remedy the infection, cutting down on your sick time and helping to prevent any secondary infections like a sinus infection.
You’ve probably read lots of great information out there about the health benefits of garlic. From helping your heart to preventing cancer, this little bulb packs of whollop of natural goodness. Nowadays, it seems to be relegated to garlic bread found in your local freezer section. But I’m determined to pass on the great news that garlic is an amazing healer and has saved our family from many a doctor’s visit!
Cancer
Chewing raw garlic might also lower your risk of developing several types of cancer, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, which indicates that people who consume abundant fresh garlic have a lower incidence of stomach, colorectal, prostate and uterine cancers. This may be due to the ability of compounds in garlic to stop cancer cells from dividing and cause them to die. In a study published in “Anticancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry” in 2011, oils derived from garlic suppressed development of breast cancer in laboratory animals and blocked growth of cultured human breast cancer cells. The Cancer Center states that garlic may also boost the immune system by stimulating the activity of immune cells that recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Prevent Food Poisoning
Some research indicates that garlic’s anti-bacterial properties might help to prevent food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enteritidis.(The affect would only apply with fresh garlic, not aged.)
Antioxidants
Here’s a reason to crush a few garlic cloves into your next meal — garlic is a great source of antioxidants, which we know play an important role for our health. The evidence is varied, but there is some research supporting garlic’s potential benefits. One of those benefits might be beating bad skin: those antioxidants can kill the bacteria that are sometimes a cause of acne. Next time you have a pimple, try rubbing on a sliced clove of raw garlic.
Garlic Is Highly Nutritious
Calorie for calorie, garlic is incredibly nutritious.
A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of garlic contains
- Manganese: 23% of the RDA.
- Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA.
- Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA.
- Selenium: 6% of the RDA.
- Fiber: 1 gram.
- Decent amounts of Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Phosphorus, Iron and Vitamin B1.
Garlic also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients. In fact, it contains a little bit of almost everything we need.
Scientists aren’t sure why, but mosquitoes don’t seem to like garlic. One study in India found that people who rubbed a garlicky concoction on their arms and legs weren’t bothered by the pesky buggers. Make a solution of garlic oil, petroleum jelly, and beeswax for a natural repellant or place.
Boost your immune system
Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as helps to fight chest infections, coughs and congestion. In the winter months garlic is a great food to boost your immune system and ward off colds and flu. An old folk remedy is to eat a clove of garlic that has been dipped in honey at the first sign of a cold. Why not try it and see if it works for you?
Source of vitamin B6
Garlic is a great source of vitamin B6 which is needed for a healthy immune system and the efficient growth of new cells. Vitamin B6 can also assist with mood swings and improve your cheery disposition!
References used for the article:
http://www.naturalblaze.com
http://authoritynutrition.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca
