The health benefits of garlic have been known since ancient times. The anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties of garlic make it an important ingredient in a healthy diet.
Garlic is a good source of vitamins A, B, and C, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, calcium, and selenium. Garlic is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory and can be used to:
prevent heart disease
reduce cholesterol
prevent the common cold
treat coughs
treat hoarsness
regulate blood sugar levels
kill intestinal worms
treat fungal infections
prevent blood clots
prevent stroke
prevent stomach cancer
lower mild high blood pressure
reduce inflammation in arthritis and thereby relieve pain
The health benefits of garlic are more easily produced by consuming raw garlic but all forms of garlic, (powder, granules, cooked, and supplements) can have a beneficial effect. One of the unpleasant side effects of garlic is the odor, especially the bad breath resulting from eating it. The good news is that there are odorless garlic pills available that still produce good results. The recommended dose of garlic supplements is 600 to 900 mgs a day.
Since garlic is a natural blood thinner and reduces the ability of the blood to clot, it should not be used for medicinal purposes by anyone taking the blood thinners Coumadin or Trental. For the same reason it should not be used by anyone who regularly takes aspirin. Anyone taking garlic supplements should stop several weeks before having surgery.
Disclaimer: Always consult your medical professional before trying any homemade treatment. This site is designed for informational purposes only and is not rendering medical advice or professional services.