Garlic is a plant in the onion family that is known for its distinctive taste and health benefits. It contains sulfur compounds, which are believed to be responsible for some of its health benefits and medicinal properties. Here are some enlightening facts about garlic and reasons you should incorporate some garlic portions in your meals.

• IT HAS FEWER CALORIES: Garlic is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains trace amount of various other nutrients. It contains a little bit of almost all your nutritional needs.
• IT BOOSTS SYSTEM IMMUNITY & IMPROVES CHOLESTEROL LEVELS: Garlic supplements are known to boost the function of the immune system. Garlic help prevents and reduces the severity of illnesses like the flu and common cold. Garlic can also help reduce the total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, in the body.
• IT POSSESSES ANTI-AGING BENEFITS: Garlic contains antioxidants that protect the body against oxidative damage, which is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. The combined effect on reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the antioxidant properties, may reduce the risk of age-related brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Also, it protects against cell damage and aging, and helps fight against infectious diseases, especially in the elderly or people with dysfunctional immune system.
• IT IMPROVES ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE: Garlic was one of the earliest “performance enhancement” substances. It was used in ancient cultures to reduce fatigue and enhance work capacity for labourers. Olympic athletes in ancient Greece were also known to use garlic.
• IT HELPS DETOXIFY HEAVY METALS IN THE BODY: The sulfur compound contained in garlic has been shown to protect against organ damage from heavy metal toxicity, especially when consumed in high doses.
• IT IMPROVES BONE HEALTH: Garlic is known to combat osteoarthritis or the breakdown of the joint cartilage and underlying bone. The sulfur compounds in garlic enter the body from the digestive tract and travel all over the body, where it exerts its biological effects.
• IT CAN REDUCE BLOOD PRESSURE: High doses of garlic appear to improve blood pressure, because it increases the body’s production of nitric oxide, which helps the muscles to relax and the blood levels to dilate. This change can reduce blood pressure. Usage of Garlic is very easy to include in your diet. It complements most savory dishes, particularly soups and sauces. The strong taste of garlic can also add a punch to bland recipes. A common way to use garlic is to press a few cloves and add to olive oil with a little salt to make a healthy and satisfying dressing for salads. The anti-bacterial properties in garlic make it very effective in the treatment of acne breakouts and the appearance of lesions. Just slice open a clove of fresh garlic, and apply directly to the skin. Cut a garlic clove in half and apply on a cold sore for 10 minutes, several times a day. The acidity may cause discomfort at first but it is potent in treating cold sores. Did you know that garlic is a natural adhesive? It can be used to fill in hairline cracks in glass. Just rub its juice into the cracks and wipe away the excess. Garlic offers many significant benefits for the body – both on the inside and out, and should definitely be a part of your regular diet. Some caution is necessary, however, as adding too much too quickly may cause discomfort and other side effects. Start today, add new flavor and more nutrients to your diet with the superfood that is garlic.