Health Benefits Of GarlicBy - Peter Hutch

Cooked prepared garlic is less powerful but still reputedly of benefit to the cardiovascular system.

Among animals fed a sugar-rich diet, those given allicin from garlic did not gain weight like those not given allicin, according to a study in the American Journal of Hypertension. The researchers concluded that allicin may be useful for weight control.

Compounds in garlic inhibit key enzymes that generate inflammation in your body. By reducing inflammation, garlic may help to prevent severe asthma attacks and reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Garlic and garlic-derived supplements can help reduce the risk of heart disease in several important ways. Garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, lessens destructive oxidation and decreases the formation of blood clots. It also slows hardening of arteries (atherosclerosis) and helps maintain their elasticity. At the same time, garlic decreases troublesome symptoms of atherosclerosis, such as poor circulation, fatigue and headaches.

Reduce the risk of blood clots (that are responsible for most heart attacks and strokes)
If you use garlic supplements, use the enteric coated tablets so that the healthy ingredients can survive the stomach and be absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestines Please be cautious if you are taking garlic supplements and blood thinners such as aspirin and warfarin at the same time. Garlic supplements will further thin your blood. In addition, it is suggested to discontinue garlic supplementation at least 7 days prior to surgery.

Garlic is best eaten raw. Cooking can destroy some of the "allicin" compound which is responsible for the powerful healing effects of garlic.

For intestinal upsets, garlic's antibiotic qualities have been used to treat ulcers. Eat 7-9 cloves of garlic throughout the day, either with milk or spread on butter. The agents work as a relaxer and keep the acids calmed down. For infections, such as athlete's foot, skin infections and acne, place a freshly mashed garlic clove in a piece of cotton gauze and rub it over the affected areas. Garlic is also essential for helping with colds. Fresh garlic mixed with honey is an effective home remedy for colds, hoarseness and inflammation of the throat. Use a garlic press to crush 1 oz. of fresh garlic cloves, mix with one cup of honey. let is sit for one hour to infuse the honey with the garlic's essential oils and then store in a cool place. Take one to two tablespoons at the first signs of a cold and then repeat every hour thereafter.

Garlic is arranged in a head, called the "bulb," averaging about 2 inches in height and diameter consisting of numerous small separate cloves. Both the cloves and the entire bulb are encased in paper-like sheathes that can be white, off-white or pinkish. Although garlic cloves have a firm texture, they can be easily cut or crushed. The taste of garlic is like no other-it hits the palate with a hot pungency that is shadowed by a very subtle background sweetness. While elephant garlic has larger cloves, it is more closely related to the leek and therefore does not offer the full health benefits of regular garlic.

Today garlic is a widely recognized health enhancing supplement. Garlic promotes the well-being of the heart and immune systems with antioxidant properties and helps maintain healthy blood circulation. One of garlic’s most potent health benefits includes the ability to enhance the body’s immune cell activity.