Garlic is an easy flavor addition to many different meals and is one of the most commonly used ingredients in the entire world. It can be used fresh, powdered or dried and is recognized for its distinct, pungent flavor. Besides garlic’s widespread use for taste and seasoning, it also has many different health benefits for our bodies. Here are five health benefits of garlic and why you should consider including garlic into your diet if you already haven’t.
- Garlic May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Cardiovascular diseases, like heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes are the leading cause of death in the United States, so it’s important to take care of your heart. High blood pressure is the number one driver of cardiovascular diseases. Studies have found that garlic supplements have a significant impact on reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, it is recommended to take a garlic supplement as you’ll need a larger amount of garlic to see the desired outcome. - Garlic is Nutritious and Has Low Calorie Count
Garlic is very nutritious, low in calories, and rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6 and manganese. In one tiny clove of garlic, there is actually a significant amount of vitamins and nutrients that is essential for our body. It is recommended to eat one to two cloves of garlic per day to reap the benefits. - Garlic Can Help Boost Your Immune System
Taking care of our immune systems is more important than ever since COVID-19 hit. Garlic contains antibacterial properties that can help our bodies fight off the common cold, help stop the growth of viruses, bacteria, and other unwanted organisms, and keep our immune systems strong. Adding garlic supplements to your daily routine could help reduce the severity of common illnesses like the flu or a cold. - Garlic May Improve Heart Health
We discussed how garlic can help lower blood pressure, which is great for your heart. Garlic also can help reduce lipids in our bloods, which means it can help lower our cholesterol levels and lower our risk of plaque build up in the cardiovascular system, which can lead to heart disease and heart failure. A study published in Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine in 2019 found that taking two capsules of garlic extract a day can lower blood pressure and decrease the thickening and stiffening of the arterial wall. - Garlic is Delicious and Easy to Include into Your Diet
Almost every meal you eat or cook calls for some form or amount of garlic! It’s a very easy ingredient to include into your diet and provides numerous health benefits that make it key to a healthy diet. Consider buying garlic in bulk so you always have it in your pantry. Garlic can add a punch to bland recipes and complements most savory dishes, from stews to soups and sauces.
In the past, garlic has been thought to have many medicinal properties that our ancestors used for healing. Today, it is confirmed that garlic can act as medicine and should be included in your daily diet.