Garlic is a vasodilator, decongestant, anti- cholesterol, anti – bacterial, anti – fungal and anti – viral. Very useful in these times as garlic contains allicin, a Sulphur containing phytonutrients, likely to be the source of its anti – bacterial and anti – viral properties.
1. Nutrient content : One clove of raw garlic contains manganese, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B 6, Vitamin C, Selenium, Fiber, some Proteins, carbohydrates, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus and iron. Garlic also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients – a little bit of everything we need. It is highly nutritious.
2. Gut Health : Garlic is naturally high in ‘inulin, a type of non- digestible carbohydrate, or ‘functional fibre’ that feeds the good bacteria in the digestive system – hence acting as a ‘prebiotic’. Garlic promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut, and prevents disease – promoting bacteria from growing at the
same time. (See Home Remedies – Gut health).
3. Chest diseases : Garlic is useful for colds, coughs and chest diseases. Very effective for tuberculosis and, taken in sufficient quantities for pneumonia. Garlic helps prevent and reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu and common cold. Garlic is also effective in reducing the severity of asthmatic attacks.
4. Digestive disorders : Crushed cloves of garlic may be infused in water and taken for all digestive disorders. It has an antiseptic effect and is an excellent remedy for infectious diseases and inflammation of the stomach and intestine. Also a worm expeller, and peristalsis (movement of the intestine) stimulator.
5. Heart Health : Garlic, particularly its Sulphur compounds, which include allicin – increases tissue blood flow and lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels. It is a rejuvenator, and helps remove toxins, revitalizes the blood and stimulates circulation. Allicin from garlic is a systemic vasodilator. Garlic lowers blood pressure by easing the spasm of the arteries, slows the pulse and modifies heart rhythm. Garlic also breaks up cholesterol in the blood, therefore preventing hardening of arteries.
6. Anti-inflammatory: Garlic contains diallyl sulfide, an anti- inflammatory that limits the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines. So garlic can helo fight inflammation and is useful in arthritis and rheumatism.
7. Immunity booster : Eating garlic can boost the number of virus fighting T- cells in your bloodstream. Cold and flu are caused by viruses. Garlic ‘s high Sulphur content makes it a cold and flu fighter. The Sulphur in garlic, helos your body absorb the trace element zinc, which is an immunity booster.
8. In addition, garlic is good for skin disorders, whooping cough, and has a beneficial effect on the entire body.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
When taken in excess may include bad breath, body odour, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhoea. So start with low quantities and build yourself up.