Raw Garlic Health Benefits

Raw garlic (Allium sati) has health benefits that cover a range of ailments. Garlic has been used for centuries and has anti-oxidant, antibiotic and digestive properties. Garlic is a simple and powerful health solution for a number of illnesses. Raw garlic is the preferred method of ingestion.

History

Raw garlic has a distinguished history. Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used garlic for its health benefits. Louis Pasteur used garlic to kill bacteria and, at the beginning of the 20th century, physicians used garlic to treat tuberculosis. According to USA Today, Science 101, Russians refer to it as the "Russian penicillin." Garlic was also used to treat cholera and typhus.

Features

When garlic is crushed, its health-promoting properties are released. Allicin is an antibiotic and an anti-fungal. Garlic also contains Vitamin B, enzymes, minerals and flavonoids, which attack cancer-causing free-radicals. Garlic's composition offers many healing possibilities. Raw garlic has a couple of side effects. Breath is an issue that can only be resolved by time or a sauna. Do not eat more than 3 cloves a day. Garlic is known to cause stomach problems.

Types

Garlic comes in a variety of forms. Health food stores stock shelves with many different brands of garlic pills. Garlic is easily found in its natural state. Raw garlic is available at every grocery store. Only raw garlic will provide anti-bacterial or anti-viral properties. Raw garlic also comes chopped in jars, in powder or salt seasonings. All of the ways that raw garlic is packaged are beneficial. Some maintain that one should only use organic garlic, which has added benefits; that is wise advice for all foods. Ingest raw garlic by chewing a couple of cloves a day.

Benefits

Multiple studies have shown evidence that garlic has attributes that relieve or prevent a range of illnesses. Raw garlic is attributed with lowering cholesterol (some say more often in women than men). On the other hand, an NIH study in 2007 showed that, according to the parameters of the trial, garlic does not significantly lower cholesterol in people with raised cholesterol levels. A chemical, ajoene, found in garlic gives garlic anti-coagulant properties that work far better than baby aspirin as a blood thinner. People who regularly eat garlic may have lower incidences of certain cancers, such as colon cancer. In lab animals, garlic is showing to block every kind of cancer. Garlic can ease sore throats, relieve sinus congestion, and it promotes a healthy immune system.

Considerations

The health claims that surround garlic are not yet considered to be valid health claims by the Food and Drug Administration. Pill forms of garlic are available and have the added attraction of not producing one of garlic's less appealing side effects, garlic breath. However, in many cases, people experience garlic's health properties in raw or cooked forms. There is no standard for producing garlic in supplement form, so effects vary from one manufacturer to another. If considering using garlic for any of its health benefits, consult a health care provider.

Resources

• USA Today Science 101: Garlic
• Garlic Health Benefits
• Are There Health Benefits in Using Garlic?