Some people detest the thought of consuming garlic because of its links to bad breath, but that’s a minor assault to their life if they realize the plethora of benefits that garlic can provide, given its role in the treatment and prevention of several illnesses.

Garlic arguably stands as one of the oldest herb varieties or spices that mankind has known, if not the oldest. For more than 3000 years, this magic herb has been recognized for its healing potentials and has been used in a variety of ways, such as in cooking ventures and as an anti-septic used during the world war. It contains several minerals that pose positive effects on the body including iron, calcium, and phosphorus. While some people still perceive it as a folklore alternative treatment method, various scientific evidences have given support to its credibility beyond its prevailing folk status.

Its role in protecting the cardiovascular system in general and in regulating excessive levels of blood sugar typically associated with diabetes, have been explored in past studies. However, its particular protective effects on diabetes mellitus-induced cardiovascular disease have only been recently explored, and the study achieved promising results.

Protecting your heart from Cardiomyopathy and other CVD diseases

One major and fatal complication that can arise due to diabetes mellitus is cardiovascular disease (CVD), which in turn stands as the leading cause of fatalities among diabetic people. According to the American Heart Association, those who suffer from diabetes are about 2 to 4 times more prone to developing CVD. Diabetic patients are especially prone to diabetic cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by inflamed and weakened heart muscle.

Published in the biweekly Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the study led by Wei-Wen Kuo investigated garlic’s potent effects on warding off diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy, and eventually yielded positive results.  It states that a mere regular intake of garlic oil supplementation can reverse diabetes-induced cardiac problems or functional impairment.

Cardiac problems were alleviated when the rats that suffered from diabetes were administered with garlic oil supplementation for 16 days, the effects of which were dependent on dosage. The diabetic rat’s heart rate and the pumping capacity of their heart were enhanced; while levels of myosin were reduced.

In conclusion, the research team said that certain compounds found in garlic oil that reportedly have strong antioxidant properties, along with 20 other potent substances, may protect people’s hearts from developing cardiomyopathy due to diabetes. The study also suggests that future ventures must further establish and identify the constituent compounds of garlic oil that ward off diabetic-induced CVD.

More health benefits of garlic

The humble herb offers a wide range of health benefits, which aids in the treatment and prevention of several illnesses — from colds and cough, to the more severe heart diseases and cancer.

Cardiovascular health

The study that was earlier discussed delved particularly in garlic’s potent effects on warding off diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy; but as was also stated, garlic has been known to provide various benefits to one’s cardiovascular health in general. For one, it aids in preventing atherosclerosis. This protective effect can be attributed to garlic’s sulphur compounds, along with its capacity to lower cholesterol levels found in the blood. Because it also helps increase insulin levels in the bloodstream, it is capable of regulating blood sugar levels. Garlic can also help reverse blockages in the arteries caused by plaque and lower triglyceride levels, factors which have been substantially linked to heart attacks.

Cancer

Garlic has a good and consistent record in relation to its capacity to fight cancer. Research shows that Allium vegetables, such as garlic, possess potent anti-cancer components. Studies also show that high levels of garlic consumption or daily intake of garlic can reduce the risk of developing all types of cancer, except breast and prostate cancer. If intake is moderate, risk-reduction effects applied to only renal and colorectal cancers.

Garlic’s allyl sulfides are significantly noted for their role in catapulting the herb as a potent cancer-preventive tool. Along with other potent compounds, one of alyll sulphur’s key roles is in helping inhibit the growth and development of cancerous cells, through rendering cancer cells vulnerable to the stress induced by cell division products.

Iron Metabolism

Studies also suggest the potent capacity of garlic in enhancing the body’s iron metabolism, by increasing ferroportin production in the body. Ferroportin is a protein that holds a crucial role of enabling cell-stored iron to leave the cells and return to circulation. It provides a bridge, serving as the iron’s passageway to get out of the cell.

Immune System Booster

With the rich concentration of antioxidants found in garlic, it comes as no surprise that the humble herb poses several favourable effects on the immune system. As a result, the human body is protected from several types of harmful assaults from viruses and bacteria. It has been particularly shown to aid the inhibition of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which causes the possibly life-threatening MRSA infection. Furthermore, garlic also contains rich concentrations of vitamin C, B6, and other minerals that have positive effects on the immune system.

Weight Control

A study published in the American Journal of Hypertension added another benefit of allicin, apart from its well-researched effects such as regulating blood pressure, increasing insulin amount in the blood, and reducing levels of triglyceride. In the laboratory experiment that involved animals fed with a diet rich in sugar, the said highly-potent substance of garlic has been shown to promote weight loss, as seen through weight gain prevention effects. The study suggests further research and investigation, but the researchers have concluded that a link between weight control and allicin exists.

Eye health

Garlic also maintains the eyes’ health through aiding in the prevention of blood clots, which usually form in the retina’s small blood vessels. It contains the bioflavonoid quercitin, which offers protection to the eyes from damage caused by solar radiation. Garlic also contains selenium, a key mineral that ensures proper functionality of glutathione.

Hypertension

Garlic is often used to treat hypertension due to its role in relaxing blood vessels when the individual becomes exposed to high pressure levels. It also hampers thrombosis through its aid in the reduction of platelet aggregation.

Libido enhancement

Garlic reportedly contains various aphrodisiac properties that rejuvenate sexual intercourse, enhance the libido of both genders, and protect consumers from nervous fatigue.

When consumed daily and at healthy levels, there are far too many health benefits of garlic for people to even consider its effects on one’s breath. The benefits of the humble and small herb goes on and which -- which should justify why garlic deserves to be a part of anyone’s regular diet, instead of being deemed merely as an alternative or folk treatment tool.

Sources
americanheart.org
nutraingredients-usa.com
organicfacts.net
physorg.com/news204972652.html
whfoods.com
disabled-world.com
zhion.com
naturaleyecare.com
vitamins-supplements.org