Health Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is a type of herb that has been used as a flavoring for food for hundreds of years. Researchers have been studying garlic for several years and have found that it has medicinal properties. Below are some of the health benefits of garlic:

Helps prevent bacterial infections

Garlic is a natural antibiotic. It has been shown to ward off the most common types of bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus. Health researchers have found that a person's body can become resistant to antibiotics if he takes them for a long period of time. However, there has been no evidence to suggest that the body can become resistant to garlic.

Supports the immune system

Not only can garlic help prevent bacterial infections, but it can also help prevent fungal and viral infections. Garlic has been shown to boost the immune system. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium and selenium. Those nutrients help support immune system health.

Lowers blood pressure

High blood pressure is a health problem that affects approximately 25 percent of adults. If this condition is not treated, it can result in heart attacks and stroke. One of the health benefits of garlic may be in this area as studies have shown that people who take a garlic supplement can reduce their blood pressure by up to five percent. Additionally, garlic supplements may also lower a person's risk of having a stroke by up to 40 percent.

Helps prevent blood clots from forming

Platelets are cell fragments that are responsible for forming blood clots. When a person develops a cut or a bruise, the platelets come together to prevent further bleeding. Platelets are important, but they can also cause clots to form in the arteries. Garlic helps prevent platelets from aggregating or coming together in the arteries. It can also help the body break up existing blood clots.

Reduces cholesterol level

High cholesterol affects nearly 40 percent of the adult population. High-density lipoprotein and low-density liprotein are the two different forms of cholesterol. Low-density lipoprotein causes plaque to build up in the arteries. High-density lipoprotein helps keep the arteries clean. Garlic has been shown to reduce LDL by up to 20 percent. It can also help raise HDL slightly.

Reduces free radicals in the body

Free radicals are compounds that are naturally present in the body. When these compounds begin to accumulate in the body, a number of health problems can result. Garlic acts as an antioxidant and can help reduce the number of free radicals in the body. This can help slow down the process of aging.

Reduces inflammation

Inflammation is the body's response to a harmful stimulus. Even though inflammation plays an important role in helping the body fight infections, when this problem becomes chronic, it can cause heart disease, cancer and depression. Garlic helps reduce inflammation.

It may help prevent cancer

It is estimated that 30 percent of women and 50 percent of men will develop cancer at some point in their life. That is an alarming statistic, but the good news is that garlic may help prevent cancer. Studies have shown that people who consume garlic at least twice a week can reduce their risk of developing all types of cancer. Health experts believe that garlic helps prevent cancerous cells from growing.

Treats diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition that is caused by prolonged periods of elevated blood sugar. Insulin is the hormone that is responsible for regulating blood sugar. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make or respond to insulin. Garlic can help treat diabetes by helping the body produce more insulin.

Helps one manage a healthy body weight

Obesity is a major health crisis that affects over 30 percent of the American population. There was a clinical study done on rats that measured garlic's effect on weight gain. All of the rats were fed a high-sugar diet, but half of them were given garlic. The results of the study were that the rats who were fed garlic gained less weight. Researchers believe that garlic can have this same effect on humans.

Garlic can reduce the risk of several health conditions and improve a person's overall health. Everyone should ask their doctor about adding a garlic supplement to their regime.

Deal With Blood Pressure Naturally

As per the American Heart Association, close to one in every three adult Americans suffers from high blood pressure. Most people are not even aware of that they suffer from it since it is the kind of disease that has no clear symptoms.

High blood pressure is also known as hypertension and people can go years with no clue that they have this particular ailment. There are a lot of high blood pressure remedies today that can take care of this problem in an effective manner.

The common symptoms of hypertension are dizziness or sporadic spells of dizziness. A headache or nose bleeds are also signs of high blood pressure. There is no single reason that can be identified as the cause for hypertension. A combination of certain aspects could cause high blood pressure. Weight and lack of activity are one factor whereas the use of nicotine and stress are another.

The intake of sodium and potassium can cause high blood pressure. Alcohol intake is another important factor while age and family history play a large role in inheriting this disease.

Hypertension can be propelled by a prevailing sickness such as thyroid, kidney problems, hormonal imbalances, usage of specific drugs, oral contraceptives, licorice etc.

High blood pressure remedies have sprung up from all corners of the medicinal as well as remedies from home. There are several changes to be made in one's lifestyle to counter high blood pressure.

Home remedies and natural remedies are useful to combat high blood pressure in the early stages if one recognizes it. One must always consult their doctor before taking or using any remedy.

Home remedies can be used to counter pressure by simply turning to one's kitchen. Garlic is known to have several medicinal properties and garlic supplements reduce high blood pressure. Garlic powder is also used by clinics to cater to patients in the early stages of pressure. Garlic lessens the clotting of blood and has the same effect that aspirin has. It thins the blood. A point to be made here is garlic usage must be stopped if one is going to undergo or has undergone surgery.

Another remedy for pressure is hawthorn. Hawthorn is a herb that is used by conventional herbal practitioners to combat pressure. Fish oil is a recommended remedy for pressure as the docohexaenoic acid or DHA in fish oil is known to reduce hypertension.

Folic acid is a highly recommended as it increases the production of red blood cells. Several such pressure remedies are there for one to take care of hypertension. If one recognizes this particular disease in time, the above mentioned pressure remedies can go a long way in taking care of pressure. Since it is also a disease that can be genetic, one must take all precautions to tackle it in time. Lifestyles and stress factors are a major cause of hypertension.

Relaxation and meditation along with several other alternative practices can cure hypertension from its root ensuring that your future generations to do inherit it from you. Exercising and proper dietary habits are of prime importance in maintaining the optimal levels of pressure.