Garlic is a plant belonging to the Allium family and is known as a spice and medicine plant widely used around the world. Garlic, whose origins date back to Ancient Egypt, Greek and Roman civilizations, has been used for various purposes for thousands of years. Garlic has many health benefits thanks to the compounds in it, and it is also used for medicinal purposes due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiviral properties. In addition, the delicious taste and aroma of garlic is added to the dishes, allowing it to be used in many recipes.
What are the benefits of garlic?
Garlic is a plant with many health benefits. Thanks to the compounds in it, it can be useful in many areas from strengthening the immune system to protecting heart health. The answers to the question of what is garlic good for can be as follows:
- Immune system: Thanks to the antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds in garlic, it strengthens the immune system. It also has a protective effect against colds, flu and other infections. Garlic increases the number of infection-fighting white blood cells by stimulating immune system cells and helps prevent the spread of infections.
- Heart health: Garlic provides many heart health benefits. The sulfur compounds in it support heart health by lowering blood pressure. It also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by preventing blood clotting. Garlic has a protective effect against coronary artery disease and other heart diseases by lowering cholesterol levels.
- Digestive system: Garlic is also beneficial for digestive system health. The prebiotic compounds in it help the growth and development of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. Garlic also has a protective effect against stomach ulcers and inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Skin Health: Garlic is also beneficial for skin health. The antioxidant compounds in it prevent skin cells from being damaged and support keeping the skin young and healthy. Garlic is also effective against skin problems such as acne, eczema and fungal infections.
- Other Benefits: Garlic may help control diabetes, have a protective effect against cancer, and may also benefit hair health. Garlic can also aid weight loss and is often used in weight loss diets.
It is also necessary to be careful about the consumption of garlic. Excess consumption can cause stomach upsets, skin problems and bad odour. It can also interact with some medications. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary to consult a specialist for quantity or different uses.
What is garlic good for?
Garlic is known for its protective and therapeutic effect against many health problems. However, there have been some studies and researches on what garlic is best for. The answer to the question of what garlic is good for may be as follows:
- Cold and Flu: Garlic is effective against upper respiratory tract infections such as colds and flu. Thanks to the antimicrobial compounds in it, it prevents the spread of viruses and bacteria and reduces the severity of the infection. Garlic also boosts the immune system, increasing the number of infection-fighting white blood cells.
- Cancer: Garlic may have a protective effect against some types of cancer. The compounds in it can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. In addition, garlic contains antioxidant compounds that have a protective effect against cancer.
- Diabetes: Garlic may help control diabetes. The compounds in it help control blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance. Garlic may also help prevent other health problems caused by diabetes.
- Fungal Infections: Garlic is also effective against fungal infections. The antimicrobial compounds in it help prevent the growth and spread of fungi. Garlic can be used as a natural remedy, especially against fungal infections.
Garlic is effective against many health problems. However, before using garlic for any health problem, it is necessary to consult a doctor. It is also important to consume garlic correctly for it to be effective.
What is good for swallowing raw garlic?
Ingesting raw garlic can cause digestive problems, stomach pain, or heartburn in some people. For this reason, it is important to talk to your doctor before consuming garlic and to consume it in the right amount. In addition, it will be beneficial to consume the garlic by paying attention to its freshness and quality. Raw garlic has many benefits when consumed consciously:
- It is a good source of antioxidants: Thanks to the antioxidant compounds in garlic, it fights free radicals and prevents cell damage. In this way, it can reduce the risk of aging, cancer and other diseases.
- Strengthens the immune system: Garlic shows a protective effect against infections by increasing immune system functions. The compounds in it help the body fight infections by increasing the number of white blood cells.
- Lowers blood pressure: Thanks to the sulfur compounds in garlic, it reduces blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. In this way, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension.
- Lowers cholesterol levels: Thanks to the compounds in garlic, it has a positive effect on heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol levels, known as bad cholesterol.
- Reduces Inflammations: Thanks to the anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic, it reduces inflammation and alleviates the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What happens if we eat garlic every day?
Eating garlic every day can have many health benefits, but excessive consumption can come with some risks. Here are the possible effects of eating garlic every day:
- It can increase immune system functions: Thanks to the compounds in garlic, it shows a protective effect against infections by increasing the immune system functions. However, excessive consumption of garlic can have adverse effects on the immune system.
- May lower blood pressure: Thanks to the compounds in garlic, it reduces blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. In this way, it can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. However, excessive consumption can increase the risk of bleeding when used with blood thinners.
- May lower cholesterol levels: Thanks to the compounds in garlic, it has a positive effect on heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol levels, known as bad cholesterol. However, excessive consumption can cause digestive problems, stomach pain or heartburn in some people.
- It can reduce inflammations: Thanks to the anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic, it reduces inflammation and alleviates the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, excessive consumption of garlic can reduce the effect of drugs that prevent blood clotting.
In addition, consumption of garlic can cause digestive problems, stomach pain or heartburn in some people. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor before eating garlic every day and to consume it in the right amounts.
How many garlic should you eat per day?
How many garlic should be eaten per day can vary depending on the age, gender, health status of the person and how the garlic is consumed. However, it is generally recommended that a healthy adult consume 1-2 cloves of garlic daily. Consuming higher amounts of garlic may cause digestive issues, heartburn, or skin problems in some people. In addition, care should be taken that garlic should not be consumed in the pre-operative period due to its blood-thinning effect. Garlic supplements are also available. However, the dosage of these supplements can vary by product, and it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking supplements.