Garlic lowers blood pressure and has been used in countries famous for non-traditional plant based medicines that are effective. Garlic has been used as a blood pressure medication for centuries in traditional Chinese medicines; and the Japanese government has approved garlic use as a high blood pressure reducer. Science shows that garlic stimulates the production of elements that relax blood vessels, just 12 weeks may be enough to show signs of improvement in blood pressure.
Garlic boosts the immune system and fights bacteria without upsetting the balance of good bacteria in the GI Tract as medications can. It acts as a natural antibiotic and helps good bacteria in the gut work faster and protects the immune system. Allicin in garlic has the antimicrobial effects that kills bad bacteria without harming the good ones, as it boosts the immune system and helps the body to fight infection. Eating garlic every day can help fight symptoms of being sick as well as prevent getting sick in the first place. Daily consumption of a clove of garlic can lower the number of colds by 63% and cut down the length of symptoms by 70%.
Garlic helps build up DNA, boosts cell reproduction, and stops the development of cancer cells. Garlic is a great source of minerals and vitamins such as phosphorus, zinc, iron, copper, and selenium the body needs to be healthy. W.H.O recommends we eat 0.07-0.2 oz ( approximately 1 average sized clove) of fresh garlic every day.
Garlic promotes detox, which can help to eliminate some of the toxins that come into the body from our not so healthy food choices. Garlic can help the liver to clean up toxins, parasites, and medication from the body, as it contains vitamins A, B, and C that stimulates liver functions. Waking up in the morning with bad breath and bags under the eyes may be a sign that the liver is overloaded, a clove of raw garlic consumed on an empty stomach can help to make the skin look more radiant, smooth, and young as it helps the liver clean the body. In addition garlic can help fight indigestion or a low appetite.
Garlic combined with vitamin C can help to keep the immune system working at optimum strength. Harsh coughs are caused by throat irritation which can be relieved with a hot garlic based drink. Try chopping a clove of garlic then add it to boiling water with some cloves and allow it to steep for a few minutes to make a good strong tea, honey, ginger, or cinnamon can be added to make a more pleasant taste and aroma.
Raw garlic is referred to as the stinking rose, but there are some things that you can do to help reduce the unpleasant aroma. Always select fresh and plump garlic as the fresher it is the less smelly it will be; remove green sprouts from the cloves as they have the strongest smell; wash minced garlic to remove smelly oils, eat yogurt or drink a glass of milk after you eat raw garlic as they will help to reduce bad breath; and brush your teeth to remove any pieces that may be stuck in them.
