Healthy Facts About Garlic

Food/Cooking - Healthy Food

By: BonnieDossKnight 30-Dec-2010

Introduction:

Fresh garlic is "neutraceutical", which is a food with medicinal properties. Garlic should be plump and firm; shriveled garlic is not in its prime. For use in Mediterranean dishes, garlic salt is a definite "no-no". Here are healthy facts about garlic.

Garlic Supplements

If you don't resonate with the taste of fresh garlic, try taking supplements. Enteric coated tabs best absorb allicilin (the ingredient that helps lower blood pressure). From personal experience, I recommend garlic with parsley so that your breath won't offend.

Lowers Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is considered the "silent killer". Eating a healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean Diet, regular exercise and working on stress management may work as well as drugs to manage blood pressure. According to Varro E. Tyler, of Purdue University, eating up to three or four garlic cloves daily reduces blood pressure. Adding garlic cloves to soups and salads are easy ways to include it in your daily diet.

Reduces High Cholesterol

You have probably memorized your cholesterol numbers. High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attack. In fact, Europeans consider garlic an approved remedy for cardiovascular conditions. I can attest that adding garlic to my diet plus walking two miles daily kept my genetic cholesterol under control for ten years. With aging, it became necessary to pump-up cholesterol fighters, but I still don't have to resort to killer statin drugs.

Anti-Aging

While we're talking about aging, don't stop garlic consumption when you grow in years. A Japanese animal study suggests garlic slows down age-related memory loss. While we await further studies, I'll accept all the help in this area that is available.

Sinus Problems

Garlic is a strong broad-spectrum antibiotic, which is beneficial for treating sinus problems. Vasant Lad, Director of Ayurvedic Institute in Albuquerque recommends this rather unpleasant, but profitable treatment for severe sinus congestion: Squeeze fresh garlic juice and put into an eyedropper. Put several drops in nostrils and keep head tilted back about five minutes. Sit up and drain garlic juice on tissue and Voila! Instantaneously, you have clear sinuses.

Final Thoughts

While these healthy facts about garlic only touch upon its' many benefits, keep in mind that when you embark on any natural healing journey, consult your doctor beforehand. Don't forget garlic's magical use - hang garlic cloves around your neck to keep the werewolves away from your hearth and home!

Give this list a high five!

Comments

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RachelR 1/1/2011
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We are just beginning a light Mediterranean foods lifestyle.. Thank you for the reminder of garlic being in the food. Ha!
penelope7 1/1/2011
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I would use it more, it's just the smell that discourages me. But the benefits are indeed great.
clewand550 12/31/2010
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Thanks for the list. I knew that garlic was healthy but wasn't aware of all of these top 5. Great list. High 5.
jseven 12/30/2010
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Great garlic tips! It's also a sure way to keep some slob from kissing you. :P
PajamaMommy 12/30/2010
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Handy tip for the sinuses. Thanks!
goodselfme 12/30/2010
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I think I will stick to eating garlic and not put any around my neck, thank you. I sure love the medicinal use and fragrance along with the flavor of garlic.