When used as a spice, garlic can add a lot of flavor to any dish. Few people, however, consider the amazing health benefits that stem from the consumption of raw garlic.
Garlic is one of nature’s gifts to mankind. Though some find it a bit smelly, it is a wonderful source of essential nutrients, microelements, and vitamins. There are powerful sulfur compounds, as well, and these compounds give garlic its notorious odor.
Why You Should Eat Garlic Raw:
The consumption of raw garlic gives you a chance to enjoy the benefits of all these nutrients. Thermal processing destroys many of the goodies that the cloves contain.
Allicin, one of the garlic’s most important ingredients, will be destroyed through thermal processing. A few studies confirm the fact that allicin could have powerful anti-cancer benefits, which is just one of the reasons for consuming cloves completely uncooked.
Note: Before consuming the garlic it is best to allow the cut or crushed garlic to be exposed to the air for at least 5 to 10 minutes for the compounds to become fully activated.
How Do You Incorporate Garlic Into Your Daily Diet?
There’s two options:
- 1. A garlic clove can easily be cut into small pieces and be incorporated in salads, green juice or smoothie.
- 2.You can try consuming on their own by cutting them into tiny pieces and swallow some small pieces one at a time (of course, with a meal). You may find it quite unusual in the very beginning, but you will get used to the taste and the odor.
If you need some reasons to motivate yourself, here is a list of the 10 most important health benefits of consuming raw garlic.
① Source of antioxidants
Antioxidants play an important role in human health by protecting cells against the oxidative stress caused by free radicals that can damage DNA and cell membranes.
Garlic is an excellent source of potent antioxidants. These have anti-cancer properties because of their ability to keep cells free from damage.
② Regulate cholesterol levels
a study found that the consumption of raw garlic can reduce your level of bad cholesterol. It has a positive effect on triglyceride levels, as well.
③ Garlic is Antibacterial
Garlic is considered a natural antibiotic. In addition, alicin has anti-fungal qualities and can be used to overcome fungal infections in an all-natural way.
④ Garlic is Anti-fungal
Garlic’s Allicin is also responsible for destroying fungi. Many use garlic as a means of eliminating fungal infections.
⑤ Garlic Thins the Blood
In addition to its blood pressure regulation qualities, garlic is a blood thinner. This quality plays a very important role in the prevention of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions.
⑥ Garlic Boosts Your Immune System
Are you worried about the upcoming flu season? Start eating raw garlic today to strengthen your immune response and decrease the risk of suffering from colds, flu and respiratory infections.
A study confirms the fact that people consuming garlic were less likely to suffer from colds and even if they did, the recovery period was shorter.
⑦ Garlic Lowers Risk of Atherosclerosis
Blood clots and plaque increase the risk of atherosclerosis. The consumption of raw garlic can prevent their appearance, which brings down the risk significantly.
⑧ Garlic Lowers Your Blood Pressure
Chinese traditional healers have long been using garlic as a natural medication for high blood pressure. Additionally, the Japanese government officially recognized garlic as a blood-pressure depressor.
⑨ Garlic Helps Your Joints
People that consume raw garlic are less likely than others to suffer from osteoarthritis.
⑩ Garlic Prevents Cancer
Several studies suggest that the regular consumption of raw garlic could potentially decrease the risk of suffering from certain types of cancer. Colon, esophagus, pancreas and breast cancer are just some of the examples.
Note: If you’re an average healthy person, you may safely consume up to four cloves of garlic each day, with each one weighing about a gram.
While several cloves of garlic may be safe for some people, they’re not safe for everyone. If you have bleeding disorders or take blood thinners, limit the amount of garlic that you consume and do not take garlic supplements. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.
Sources: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/prevention/garlic-and-cancer-prevention http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-garlic.html
Is it gud to eat garlic if I want to conceive
Can I eat raw garlics if I want to conceive
Thanks 4 ur useful tip .will try