Besides protecting you from vampires and causing bad breath, garlic is also a powerful weapon against cancer. It is known as an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-microbial ingredient that is added to a lot of dishes for that extra flavour and aroma.
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Garlic helps to fight cancer
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According to the National Cancer Institute, garlic induces the deaths of cancer cells and can reduce the proliferation rate of these unwanted cells. This slows down the progression of cancer in the body. Studies have shown that by increasing the amount of allium consumption (onions, garlic, chives and leeks), the risks of developing cancer cells in areas such as the mouth, larynx, esophagus, colon, breast, ovary and kidneys are significantly reduced.
Even if garlic is only consumed with moderation, it will help to lower the risks of colorectal and renal cell cancer. However, it is not very effective at reducing the risks of breast and prostate cancers that are caused by hormones and genetics.
Other health benefits of Garlic
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Besides reducing the risk of cancer development, garlic also helps our bodies in 7 ways:
1. It is nutrient dense
Garlic packs a ton of nutrients, as it is rich in manganese, vitamin C and B6, selenium and fiber. It also acts as a mild source of protein and carbs. This makes garlic an essential ingredient in your diet.
2. Your heart savior
A research done in Saudi Arabia discovered that garlic helps to expand blood vessels and lower blood pressure because its sulphuric compounds are converted into hydrogen sulfide gas by our red blood cells. It also helps to lower ‘bad’ cholesterol up to 15%, preventing the hardening of arteries.
3. Strengthen your immune system
Garlic helps to reduce the risks of contracting a cold. Lemon, honey along with crushed garlic makes your tea an effective cold relief, especially useful on chilling winter nights.
4. Power antioxidant
Free radical damage causes many diseases and illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, aging and cancer. Garlic helps to strengthen your body’s abilities to fight these free radicals, preventing diseases.
5. It is effective against fungus and parasites
Eating garlic helps to prevent food poisoning and problems caused by bacterias and parasites in your meals. In addition, if you suffer from athlete’s foot or jock itch, eating garlic will alleviate your conditions. If you have a wound and are worried about parasites, you can apply coconut oil mixed with garlic paste.
6. Your skin will love it
Garlic’s sulphuric compounds help to fight psoriasis, eczema and acne. Try mixing garlic and coconut oil together, and apply the paste on your face as a mask. To combat acne, rub a slice of raw garlic clove on a blemish that’s about to form.
Prepare garlic the right way
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To get the most benefits from garlic, you need to eat it as raw as possible. Before you begin cooking, chop, mince, or crush the raw garlic and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it can release the allicin. Cutting up cooked garlic results in the loss of most of its powerful antioxidant properties.
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Iris Tan
A cup of steaming hot tea, an engaging motivational book and a sleeping cat in her lap – these are what Iris envisions a purr-fect life would be. To be more precise, the cat’s got to be chubby and short. When she’s not wasting her time on the never ending streams of feline videos, Iris enjoys daydreaming and doodling in her bullet journal while she wonders about the endless possibilities life can bring.
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