If there's one thing that hypertension and other heart diseases, infectious diseases, chronic illnesses, and proper metabolism can share in common, it would definitely be garlic. Numerous studies had found that garlic possesses both preventive and curative properties against various diseases.  Because of this, researchers are continuously on the lookout for new health benefits of this essential food ingredient. One of the most studied health benefits of garlic is its ability to boost the immune system and help the body ward off diseases – but it doesn’t just stop there. Find out more about the health benefits of this power-packed herb and spice:

1. Immune System Booster

A study participated by over 150 study participants found that garlic can treat and prevent the common cold. The participants were randomly given either garlic food supplements or placebo pills for 12 weeks during the cold season, which is between the months of November and February. Participants who received garlic supplements experienced fewer incidence of colds compared to the control group. In addition, they all had less sick days than the participants who took the sugar pills. Researchers link garlic's benefit in boosting the immune system to its natural antiviral and antibacterial property. Some studies show that garlic can be even more effective in strengthening the immune system than prescribed drugs.

In the book Garlic for Health, author Dr Benjamin Lau said that garlic has the ability to stimulate the body's immune system and has the potential of enhancing the function of lymphocytes and macrophages; these two immune cells are also responsible for destroying cells that has been acting out of proper function, specifically cancer cells.

2. Garlic as an Antiviral and Antibacterial Agent

Garlic has been used for centuries to fight and protect the body from diseases. Even without the support of scientific evidences, people have been using garlic to cure illnesses. Although people did not know exactly how garlic helped cure their illnesses, they knew it made them feel better. Years of research showed that garlic has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties, more importantly in treating bacterial diseases that has become resistant to antibiotics. Studies investigating the antibacterial and antiviral properties of garlic revealed that using both crushed and powdered garlic can indeed promote better health. Researchers also suggest that in order to get the most of what garlic has to offer, crushing it and eating it raw or taking it in supplement form, such as Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract, is highly preferable.

3. Cancer-Preventive Properties of Garlic

The most interesting and significant field of study involving garlic is in the treatment and prevention of cancer. Researchers from the UCLA found that garlic extract can suppress the growth of cancerous melanoma while scientists from West Virginia University investigated the effects of garlic extract towards bladder cancer. Head researcher Donald Lamm added that garlic extract proves to be an effective agent in immunotheraphy.

Although the evidences proving the anti-cancer ability of garlic is not as well established as that of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, the natural food ingredient is still exhibiting strong potential in battling the dreaded disease. Research has found that the high intake of garlic in its most potent form, this being freshly crushed or powdered, can reduce the risk of almost all types of cancer, from prostate cancer to breast cancer. Moderate intake, on the other hand, has shown to lower the risk of colorectal and renal cancer. With the growing body of evidence supporting garlic's ability to reduce the risk of cancer, it's appropriate to consider garlic as an anti-cancer food.

Researchers link garlic's allyl sulfide content to its ability to reduce the risk of developing cancer. Allyl sulfides are capable of activating the production of a molecule that helps cells to respond more effectively to oxidative stress. It also encourages the unhealthy cells to die through a process called apoptosis after recognizing that it has become too dysfunctional to live in a healthy environment. Diallyl sulfide in garlic, on the other hand, has shown potency in inhibiting the transformation of compounds usually from food into carcinogens in the body. The studies concerning garlic's cancer preventive properties remain preliminary but it's enough to suggest regular intake in order to reduce the risk of developing the disease.

4. Garlic against Cardiovascular Disease

Garlic plays an important role in inhibiting certain processes that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The accumulation of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in the blood can lead to the development of diseases involving the heart and the blood vessels. Fat plaques can form on the surface of blood vessels and hinder the free flow of blood. Despite the limitations of garlic's cardioprotective properties, it is clear that the compounds in garlic can lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thus reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Garlic's ability to reduce blood triglyceride and total cholesterol level is its most important health benefit. These compounds are produced through the process of oxidation; garlic takes its cue in preventing cardiovascular disease by inhibiting oxidation and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. A person becomes more at risk of developing this condition when the linings of the blood vessels become damaged by reactive oxygen molecules. Oxidative stress also leads to the development of inflammation and the result of the combination of these two processes can be devastating to a person's cardiovascular health. The sulfur compound content of garlic inhibits both oxidation and inflammation.

5. Garlic for Iron Metabolism

Iron is an essential nutrient responsible for carrying oxygen in blood cells. The mineral aids in the production of hemoglobin and in maintaining various body functions including muscle movement and brain development. As an oxygen carrier, iron plays an important role in transporting oxygen to other parts of the body. It also facilitates the synthesis of different neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The deficiency of even one of these neurotransmitters can lead to the development of cognitive problems including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. But none of these functions can take place without proper iron metabolism. Studies have found that garlic can improve the body’s metabolism of iron. Researchers had found that garlic has the ability to improve the production of ferroportin, an essential enzyme that promotes the circulation of iron in the body.

Sources
whfoods.com
immunesupport.com
umm.edu
outofstress.com