Garlic, or allium saivum , is a species of plant located within the group of amarillidaceae , to which also belongs the onion, the chives. It is believed to have originated in Western Asia and, through the Mediterranean, began its expansion more than 7000 years ago.
It is composed mainly of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, fiber and, to a lesser extent but not less important, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron or vitamin B1.
It is a bulb very adopted in the culinary uses, being very recurrent in the gastronomic culture of the whole world by its characteristic flavor and aroma.
Garlic is added to variety of food recipes to give a unique flavour but if you want to capture the real benefits of garlic then eating them raw is the best way.
Benefits of Raw Garlic for the Body
1.Helps to Lose Weight
A garlic clove has only 4 calories and contains antioxidants that can help you lose weight. The main reasons are that garlic creates the sensation of satiety and therefore suppresses the appetite so that the chances of gaining weight decrease.
Certain studies indicate that garlic stimulates the nervous system and releases the hormone adrenaline, which increases metabolism. The higher the metabolism, the easier it will be to burn fat.
Of course, like any food, moderation in its consumption and always within a balanced diet combined with physical exercise.
2.It’s Natural Antibiotic
The allicin, one of the active ingredients of garlic, has a wide variety of antimicrobial activities.
This is mainly due to its ability to block the activity of two groups of enzymes: cysteine proteases and those of alcohol dehydrogenases. Both are involved in the metabolism of amoebic parasites, bacteria, fungi and other viruses.
In its pure state, allicin has the antibacterial capacity. That is, for it to take effect, the garlic must be taken raw. Following this rule, we will be using a very beneficial healing agent to treat diseases such as a toothache, diabetes or allergies.
3.For Oral Health
Garlic has the antimicrobial capacity. This is demonstrated by a study in which garlic replaced chlorhexidine ( an antiseptic substance used for mouthwash) as a tooth disinfectant. The result was just as effective, making garlic a potent alternative to chlorhexidine.
In addition, garlic supplements accelerate the healing process of cold sores. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, pain and swelling are drastically reduced.
4.Improves Circulation
Several studies have developed over the years that reveal the beneficial properties of garlic in the bloodstream.
The reason is allicin’s ability to potentiate the increase in circulating agents that relax blood vessels, increases blood flow and prevent clots from forming.
5.Reduces Blood Pressure
Garlic is a good natural remedy for a cardiovascular problem as common as hypertension. This is due to allicin and its vasodilatory capacity, which helps lower blood pressure.
The most effective method for garlic to effect this disease is to take it fasting when rising with a glass of water.
6.Improves Cholesterol Levels
Garlic, being hypocholesterolemic, helps to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This is confirmed by more than 25 studies or the Spanish Heart Foundation (FEC), which emphasizes the importance of including garlic in the diet.
On the other hand, it has recently been discovered that garlic also has a fighting ability against atherosclerosis, a disease that deposits plaques composed of fats and cholesterol inside the arteries.
7.Prevents Alzheimer’s
According to researchers at the University of Missouri (USA), garlic prevents neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
This is because garlic develops antioxidants that offer protective and healing benefits to brain cells. These become much more resistant to stress or inflammation, leading causes of the onset of neurological diseases.
8.Strengthen Bones
Garlic has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties very beneficial to reduce pain in the joints. In addition, because it is rich in antioxidants, garlic helps strengthen the immune system.
Thus, it serves as a natural remedy to prevent or treat problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis or osteopenia.
Foundations dedicated to working bone problems like Save our Bones includes the garlic within the natural supplement for the construction of healthy and strong bones.
9.Take care of our Skin
Because it is a powerful antioxidant and possesses starchy and mucilaginous elements, garlic becomes a powerful natural remedy for the face, keeping the skin young, smooth and especially healthy.
Dermatitis, pimples, boils, dry skin, fungus, acne, irritated or sensitive skin or wrinkles can be combated thanks to garlic.
For the garlic to affect our face, the idea is to crush it, combining it with a little olive oil.
10.Boosts Sports Performance
There is a trend among athletes to consume raw garlic before a workout because of their belief that it improves performance and promotes muscle development.
Due to the usefulness of garlic in the blood circulation, the nutrients reach the tissues in an unbeatable way and thus the muscles benefit.
In any case, it is not proven that taking garlic before practising sports serves to improve muscle growth. Simply, garlic should be used as a stimulus within a healthy diet.
