Garlic has been used for over 5,000 years. It is commonly used as a spice and a home remedy in many households in Asia. It is one of the first herbs being recorded to maintain health such as controlling cholesterol levels or regulating blood pressure.
Garlic is considered a nutritional superstar. It is packed with lots of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B and C, manganese, selenium, iron, copper, and potassium. Garlic is also considered a source of amino acids (a component of protein) and enzymes, which can help your body build muscles and protect your intestinal health, respectively. Over the years, there has been a lot of potential records of garlic being used as an alternative in the medical field:
1. Promotes heart health.
Some studies have shown that garlic and garlic supplements can have a positive effect on heart health by preventing cell damage, regulating cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure. Other studies have shown that garlic supplements can also reduce plaque build-up in the arteries.
Healthy arteries are elastic and flexible. But as they age, they become stiff, hardened, and may form plaques, all of which restrict blood flow. Because garlic can help lower high blood pressure, it can also help prevent scarring and hardening associated with atherosclerosis.
2. Boost immune system.
Garlic is also rich in antioxidants including selenium and vitamin C. It also contains quercetin which can be found in plants with anti-inflammatory factors. The combined effects of lowering cholesterol and blood pressure and antioxidant properties can reduce the risk of common brain diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
3. It contains cancer-fighting characteristics.
Garlic is believed to have cancer-preventing properties related to antibacterial and antioxidant effects in the body, and population studies have shown this theory to be correct. Some studies have shown that garlic is good for gastric cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer, but the degree of cancer risk reduction is not yet clear. The results of different epidemiological investigation reports are contradictory. Garlic, like allicin, flavonoids, and allyl sulfides, contributes to different risk reduction mechanisms.
4. Promotes better hair and skin.
The antioxidant and antibacterial properties of garlic can cleanse the skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. A study showed that rubbing grains with raw garlic can eliminate them. But be aware that it can cause a burning sensation on the skin. If you are using other products, consult your dermatologist before applying acne to your skin.
5. Acts as a natural antibiotic.
Considering that garlic has a lot of potential antioxidants, it has also been concluded as a natural source of antibiotic which provides a home remedy solution for coughs and colds. It has also anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic factors which can cure skin diseases and infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot.
Garlic in action#1: A remedy for ringworm
To use garlic as a cure, mix garlic with a little olive or coconut oil to make crushed garlic cloves. Apply a thin layer of paste on the affected skin and cover it with gauze. Keep for up to 2 hours before rinsing. Repeat twice a day until the symptoms disappear.
Garlic in action#2: A cure for athlete's foot and any fungal infections
To use garlic to treat athlete's foot, crush four to five garlic cloves. After grinding, rub them on the affected area. Do it twice a day.
Garlic in action#3: An alternative remedy for coughs and colds
Swallow a clove of garlic after eating a meal. DO NOT chew it.
Heat the sesame oil to the point of smoking and add a few cloves of garlic. Bottle, rub a few drops of oil on chest and soles of feet when you have a cough or cold It can relieve congestion and treat colds.
Roast a clove of garlic before bed and eat it with a tablespoon of honey. This can ease the cough.
Over the years, garlic has been used in a wide variety such as fighting against prostate cancer, alcohol-induced liver injury, etc. Although some of these do not have any further studies to support the claim, with new technology it can be improved and show up its potential inner effect.