Some Mayo Clinic studies have confirmed that garlic has many nutritional values and health benefits. The healing properties of garlic goes back to early civilization with the Egyptians, Hebrew, Greeks and Romans. It is said the builders of the pyramids ate garlic daily for endurance and strength.
Facts
Garlic has no fat, little natural sugars, no cholesterol and nearly no calories---about 4 per clove. Garlic contains a wide array of vitamins including vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D and E. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin while vitamin E is fat soluble, together these two antioxidants reduce free radicals and help to prevent heart disease. Garlic also contains manganese, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, copper, selenium protein and enzymes. This powerful combination of nutrients gives garlic its nutritional and healing value.
Effects
Garlic when taken as food or as a supplement combats diseases and health as high blood pressure that can cause strokes, heart attacks and aneurysms.
Garlic has the ability to reduce high blood pressure because of its dilating effect on the , it makes them wider therefore reducing the pressure in the blood vessels, it reduces the pulse rate and the rhythm of the heart.
Digestive Disorders
Garlic is very effective for digestive conditions such as diarrhea, colitis and dysentery. It works on the lymphatic system, it enhances peristalsis and the flow of digestive juices. Garlic is a good treatment for worms, it helps digestion and its antiseptic properties helps in relieving gastrointestinal inflammation.
Other Benefits
Garlic is known to reduce cholesterol and the risk of atherosclerosis.
It is also a powerful source of sulfur compounds. These sulfur compounds have shown to inhibit the growth of skin and breast cancer cells as well as other types of cancer.
A Natural Aphrodisiac
Garlic is considered a natural aphrodisiac with no side effects. Dr. Robinson, an eminent American sexologist, touts garlic as a tonic that is excellent as a cure for sexual disabilities, impotence and nervous exhaustion. He recommends garlic for older men who may be experiencing diminished sexual drive.
Warning
Because of the anticoagulant (blood thinner) properties of garlic. Its important to consult with your health-care practitioner before taking garlic supplements if you are taking blood thinners or aspirins daily. Talk with your doctor before taking garlic supplements if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to get pregnant. The effect on the fetus and breast feeding is unknown.
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