Benefits Of Garlic Supplements

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Garlic is a member of the Allium family or the onion family. Its distinct taste and odor is familiar to most people. It has been and is widely used in many cuisines due to not only its flavour but also its health benefits.

Most of these benefits arise from a sulfur compound called allicin. When garlic is cut, the enzyme allinase present in garlic cloves convert a compound called alliin into allicin which gives freshly cut garlic its distinctive odor. However much of the effect of allicin may be lost in the process of cooking and many people are not fond of the pungent taste of raw garlic. To utilize all the health benefits that garlic, it is available in the form of garlic supplements. These may come in the form of tablets, capsules, oil or powders all of which provide the best qualities of garlic.

In addition to the active component of allicin, garlic is also a source of vitamins B6, B1, B5 and C as well as dietary minerals like manganese, phosphorous, calcium, iron and zinc.

  • Garlic is important for a healthy heart. It helps to reduce cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart problems. Garlic oil has even been shown effective as a protective factor in heart surgery and against heart failure.
  • Garlic supplements help to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and promoting vasodilation. This in turn leads to enhanced cardio-vascular health.
  • There is a lot of evidence that points to an association between garlic and reduced risk of cancer. Research has shown that eating raw garlic or taking garlic supplements can reduce the risk of lung cancer by half. The sulfur compounds found in garlic have been shown to be effective in the destruction of common brain cancer There is evidence linking garlic supplements and prostate health, in particular prostate cancer.
  • It has long been used as a home remedy to fight the common cold and the flu. Scientific evidence points to allicin present in garlic supplements to be useful in preventing and treating colds.
  • Garlic supplements are often taken to fight stress and fatigue. This is particularly important in reducing exercise induced fatigue which in turn can enhance physical performance.
  • Garlic is good for the liver, protecting the liver from oxidative stress in case of liver damage from alcohol.
  • Garlic oil can be applied topically to the skin to remove blemishes and scars. It has been proven to be effective against acne.
  • Garlic gel is good for the hair. Its high sulfur content means it contains the protein called keratin which is what hair is made of. Hence garlic can be used as a treatment of hair loss by stimulating hair growth. It has also been shown to be a relevant treatment of conditions like alopecia.
  • Garlic contains nutrients like zinc, manganese and vitamin B6 which facilitate calcium absorption and increase bone health. This property of garlic supplements reduces the risk of oesteoarthritis. This is of special importance to women of menopausal age and older who often suffer from osteoporosis which can increase chances of bone breaks and damage.
  • Research indicates that garlic can act as an effective antibiotic. This can help fight infections like intestinal infections, respiratory infections amongst others.
  • Garlic supplements contain antioxidants that relieve the body from oxidative stress. This has a range of health benefits from reducing cancer risk and especially the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and associated dementia.

Though garlic supplements have a variety of benefits, it is important to find the best supplement for you and take it in a moderate quantity. This will ensure that your body will be able to truly reap the many health promoting properties that garlic offers.

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