Garlic
Garlic has been used for its health and medicinal properties for centuries. It contains sulfur compounds that are believed to be responsible for some of its health benefits . Garlic has been shown to have some real health benefits, such as protection against the common cold and the ability to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels . It can also inhibit and kill bacteria and fungi, lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar, prevent blood clotting, and contains anti-tumor properties
Garlic: A Natural Medicine :-
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| Garlic |
Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family that has been used for its health and medicinal properties for centuries. It contains sulfur compounds that are believed to be responsible for some of its health benefits. Current research shows that garlic may have some real health benefits. For example, it has been shown to help protect against the common cold and to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic can also inhibit and kill bacteria and fungi, lower blood pressure, blood cholesterol and blood sugar, prevent blood clotting, and contains anti-tumor properties. One of the most well-known compounds in garlic is allicin. This compound is formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed or chewed. Allicin is an unstable compound that is only briefly present in fresh garlic after it’s been cut or crushed. In addition to allicin, other compounds in garlic that may play a role in its health benefits include diallyl disulfide and s-allyl cysteine. These sulfur compounds enter your body from the digestive tract and travel all over your body, exerting strong biological effects. Garlic is not only a delicious ingredient in cooking but also a natural medicine with many potential health benefits. So next time you’re feeling under the weather or just want to boost your overall health, consider adding more garlic to your diet.
How much garlic should I eat?
Although there are no official recommendations for how much garlic you should eat, studies show that eating 1-2 cloves (3-6 grams) per day may have health benefits 1. However, it’s important to note that eating more than this amount may cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, and stomach issues 1. It’s best to enjoy garlic in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet if you have any concerns.
How can I incorporate garlic into my diet?
There are many ways to incorporate garlic into your diet. You can eat raw garlic by including at least one serving or a ½ clove in your meal plan every day. Some ways to enjoy raw garlic include mixing chopped or minced garlic with fresh tomatoes and basil and using this mixture on top of pasta, bread, or a salad; adding garlic to salsa or guacamole;
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| Garlic diet |
Can I eat too much garlic?
While garlic has many health benefits, it is possible to eat too much of it. Eating 1-2 garlic cloves daily can have health benefits, but more can cause bad breath, heartburn, stomach issues, and other unpleasant side effects. It’s best to enjoy it in moderation.
If you are using garlic for medicinal purposes, the large amounts needed can trigger adverse reactions. The more and the more often you consume it, the greater your risk becomes. If you plan on adding garlic to your regime, do so gradually. Try starting with one half clove per day and then slowly add more until you reach one clove. If you tolerate it well, you can work up to two or three cloves if needed.
What are some side effects of eating too much garlic?
- One of the most serious side effects of eating too much garlic is an increased risk of bleeding, especially if you’re taking blood thinners or undergoing surgery. This is because garlic has antithrombotic properties, meaning that it may prevent blood clots from forming . Garlic-induced bleeding is uncommon, but it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional before using garlic supplements or adding it to your diet if you’re taking any medications or set to have surgery.
- Other side effects of eating too much garlic include bad breath and digestive issues. Garlic contains a variety of sulfur compounds that may cause bad breath, especially when eaten in large amounts. Garlic is also high in fructans, a type of carb that may cause bloating, gas, and stomach pain in some people.
- If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you may want to consider lowering your garlic intake as it may cause heartburn . It’s best to enjoy garlic in moderation and consult with a healthcare professional before adding it to your diet if you have any concerns.
How can I reduce the side effects of eating garlic?
There are several ways to reduce the side effects of eating garlic:
- Eat garlic in moderation:
Eating 1-2 cloves (3-6 grams) per day may have health benefits, but eating more than this amount may cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, and stomach issues. It’s best to enjoy garlic in moderation.
- Talk with your healthcare professional:
If you’re taking any medications or set to have surgery, you should consult a healthcare professional before adding garlic to your diet. This is because garlic has antithrombotic properties, meaning that it may prevent blood clots from forming and increase the risk of bleeding.
- Cook garlic:
Cooking garlic decreases the content of sulfur compounds that may cause bad breath. However, it’s important to note that cooking also decreases the content of beneficial sulfur compounds.
- Try home remedies for bad breath:
- Follow a low FODMAP diet:
Some other health benefits of garlic?
Garlic has been shown to have a wide range of health benefits. Some of the most well-known benefits of garlic include:
- Protection against the common cold:
Garlic supplements are known to boost the function of the immune system. A large study found that a daily garlic supplement reduced the number of colds by 63% compared with a placebo.
- Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels:
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties:
- Anti-tumor properties:
- Improved bone health:
Some studies suggest that garlic may help improve bone health by increasing estrogen levels in females.
Can I take garlic supplements instead of eating fresh garlic?
Yes, you can take garlic supplements instead of eating fresh garlic. Garlic supplements are available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, and extracts. They can provide many of the same health benefits as fresh garlic.
However, it’s important to note that the amount of active compounds in garlic supplements can vary widely depending on the brand and preparation method.
Some studies suggest that aged garlic extract may be more effective than other forms of garlic supplements.
It’s also important to talk with your healthcare professional before taking garlic supplements, especially if you’re taking any medications or have any
underlying health conditions. Garlic supplements can interact with certain medications and may increase the risk of bleeding if you’re taking blood thinners or undergoing surgery.
In summary, garlic supplements can provide many of the same health benefits as fresh garlic, but it’s important to choose a high-quality supplement and consult with a healthcare professional before taking them.
What should I look for when choosing a garlic supplement?
When choosing a garlic supplement, there are several factors to consider:
Form:
Garlic supplements are available in various forms such as tablets, capsules, and extracts. Some studies suggest that aged garlic extract may be more effective than other forms of garlic supplements.
Dosage:
The amount of active compounds in garlic supplements can vary widely depending on the brand and preparation method. It’s important to choose a supplement that provides an appropriate dose of the active compounds.
Quality:
Choose a high-quality garlic supplement from a reputable brand. Look for supplements that have been tested by a third-party organization for purity and potency.
Interactions:
Garlic supplements can interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and some HIV medications. It’s important to talk with your healthcare professional before taking garlic supplements if you’re taking any medications or have any underlying health conditions.
when choosing a garlic supplement, consider the form, dosage, quality, and potential interactions with medications. It’s also a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before taking garlic supplements.
Can I take garlic and garlic supplements while pregnant?
It is generally considered safe to eat garlic in moderate amounts during pregnancy. However, the safety of taking garlic supplements while pregnant is not well established.
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| Garlic supplements while pregnant |
Some studies suggest that taking garlic supplements during pregnancy may have potential benefits, such as reducing the risk of pre-eclampsia and promoting
healthy birth weight. However, other studies suggest that taking garlic supplements during pregnancy may increase the risk of bleeding and prolong labor.
Due to the limited and conflicting evidence, it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional before taking garlic supplements while pregnant.
They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and determine if garlic supplements are appropriate for you.
Can I take garlic supplements while breastfeeding?
It is generally considered safe to eat garlic in moderate amounts while breastfeeding. However, the safety of taking garlic supplements while breastfeeding is not well established. There is limited research on the effects of taking garlic supplements while breastfeeding. Some studies suggest that garlic may change the flavor of breast milk and potentially affect infant feeding behavior. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of taking garlic supplements while breastfeeding. Due to the limited evidence, it’s important to talk with your healthcare professional before taking garlic supplements while breastfeeding. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and determine if garlic supplements are appropriate for you.
Can children take garlic supplements?
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| children eating garlic supplements |
There is limited research on the safety and effectiveness of garlic supplements for children. While garlic is generally considered safe when consumed as part of a balanced diet, the safety of garlic supplements for children has not been well established. Some studies suggest that garlic supplements may have potential benefits for children, such as reducing the risk of colds and flu. However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of garlic supplements for children. Due to the limited evidence, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before giving garlic supplements to children. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks and determine if garlic supplements are appropriate for your child.
How do I store garlic?
Arlic can be stored in several ways to maximize its shelf life and preserve its flavor and health benefits. Here are some tips for storing garlic: Keep it cool and dry: Garlic should be stored in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. A kitchen pantry or cupboard is a good choice. Avoid storing garlic in the refrigerator, as the cold and moist environment can cause it to sprout or become moldy.
Leave the papery skin on: The papery skin on garlic bulbs and cloves helps protect them from damage and moisture. Leave the skin on until you’re ready to use the
garlic.
Store it in a mesh bag or basket: Storing garlic in a mesh bag or basket allows air to circulate around the bulbs, which can help prevent mold and sprouting.
Keep it away from other produce: Garlic can absorb moisture and odors from other produce, which can affect its flavor and shelf life. Store garlic away from other fruits and vegetables.
In summary, to store garlic properly, keep it in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Leave the papery skin on and store it in a mesh bag or basket away from other produce.