1. IT IMPROVES PERFORMANCE

Are you working on trying to improve your fitness? Try adding more garlic to your diet. Research has shown that a certain garlic oil reduces the strain on your heart during exercise. It will reduce fatigue that is brought by exercise as well as the peak heart rate by as much as 12%. You can also rejoice in the fact that this was a known fact in ancient times. The ancient Greeks prescribed garlic to Olympic athletes and people who engaged in heavy physical labor, you can simply say it boosts physical endurance. I can imagine most of us already thinking of using it for the stamina needed for the “bedroom exercise”.

2. INCREASES SEXUAL DRIVE

The best part especially for the ladies is that garlic is able to increase oestrogen. The higher the oestrogen level the higher the sexual drive. It is a great agent that increases libido in women. It does help men as well especially by enhancing their fertility and to get this great benefit you have to consume it daily. Remember it pumps up your performance? Now imagine performance/increased energy plus high sexual drive, a killer combination right!

3. HELPS PREVENT COLDS, FLU & INFECTIONS

Studies have shown that garlic is very effective at killing harmful microorganisms responsible for common and rare diseases and infections. The study found that participants who ingested garlic were less likely to catch a cold than those who didn’t eat it. It can also reduce the duration of cold symptoms to 70%. You can chew it or make a cup of garlic tea with a dash of ginger and honey to taste. This is one of the benefits and yet another proof that garlic has powerful antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties that help keep your body healthy. Make garlic your best buddy, especially during cooler months.

4. ANTI-AGEING PROPERTIES

There seems to be decent proof that garlic can work against ‘oxidative stress ’. Did you know that we grow to look older because our bodies convert food and oxygen into energy? However, sometimes our body will be a little too enthusiastic with this process and destroy other cells in the process. In turn, our skin becomes saggier and our brains become slower. That is the consequence of ‘oxidative stress ’.

In these cases, garlic may be a useful addition to your diet. The smelly herb causes your body to increase the production of substances in the blood that goes against the overly enthusiastic oxidation of cells in your body. These substances are commonly known as anti-oxidants. This way, garlic helps to slow down the physical signs of ageing. Who wouldn’t want that?

5. HEALTHY SKIN

We all want to have the flawless and glowing and garlic has just the right ingredients to assist you with that goal. As mentioned above it fights oxidative stress, slows down collagen reduction and loss of skin elasticity leaving you with fewer wrinkles. If you suffer from eczema try applying it to your skin to bring relief. It can also be applied to fight skin fungal infections like ringworms and athlete’s foot.

6. HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM

Fresh garlic has been known for centuries for its antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. However, to give your immune system the best boost, you need to eat raw garlic. When you cut or crush the garlic, it releases “allicin. “This substance has many health benefits, but if you heat the garlic, you lose most of the allicin. Garlic is home to many powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a complete superfood for overall protection against disease. Inflammation is the leading cause of most diseases, including obesity.

7. HELPS PREVENT CANCER

Garlic contains bioactive sulfur compounds that are thought to help reduce the risk of cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, “Several population studies show an association between increased garlic intake and a reduced risk of certain types of cancer.” Garlic specifically benefits cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast. Although the National Cancer Institute does not endorse dietary supplements, it does recognize the protective effects of garlic. For example, garlic protects against stomach cancer thanks to its antibacterial properties, as studies show. Garlic also has the power to stop the activation of carcinogens and enhance DNA repair. Garlic has numerous anti-cancer properties and appears to have the ability to stop the activation and formation of cancer-causing mediums.

8. STABILIZE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Garlic is a great natural remedy for people with high blood pressure. Several studies have shown that a daily intake of garlic has long-term cholesterol-lowering effects. Of course, you should always seek the advice of a specialist if you have cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol. Garlic can influence the overall results and in addition to that, the polysulfides in garlic encourage the dilation of blood vessels to lower blood pressure. (Garlic improves the function of the cells lining the arteries, which increases blood flow and lowers blood pressure).

9. HEALTHY BONES

Garlic is helpful in preventing osteoarthritis and maintaining healthy joints. Research has found garlic oil is capable of maintaining skeletal health. It contains antioxidants that make calcium absorption smooth and can help with the possibility of bone formation, bone metabolism, and connective tissue.

10. IMPROVES ORAL HYGIENE

Research has shown that garlic can be a good alternative treatment for treating swollen gums. In addition, garlic is naturally packed with antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. As smelly as it is, it does come in handy when it has to deal with all the little organisms living your mouth that potentially affect your health.

11. HEALTHY HAIR

Are you suffering from hair loss? Garlic contains keratin that makes the hair look glossy and full and it also enhances hair strength. To reverse or prevent hair loss, crush garlic and massage it onto your scalp.

TO CONCLUDE

Garlic is packed with antioxidants, sulfur, manganese, fibre, and vitamins A, B, and C. It is great to regulate your health and it is in its best form when raw and crushed as it releases allicin. You might not be a fan of the smell but you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with the benefits it has to offer.

**COOKING WITH GARLIC IS A GREAT COUNTERPOINT TO WRITING**