4 Reasons To Eat Garlic For Your Health

1 min

Garlic is more than a culinary mainstay that can add flavor to meals; it is a natural, traditional medicine that has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. Research indicates regular consumption of garlic may:

1. Alter how cholesterol is metabolized in the body, making it less likely to oxidize which is the most concerning aspect of cholesterol as it relates to plaque and heart disease risk.
2. Lower blood pressure and risk of clot formation, thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.
3. Combat respiratory infections such as common colds and sore throats.
4. Reduce fungal or yeast infections.

Eating raw garlic after it has been chopped or mashed releases the herb’s full potential. That’s because the active component, allicin, forms only on contact with air. I suggest chopping garlic and letting it sit for 10 minutes to get the full health-giving potential. Garlic loses its antibiotic properties when you cook or dry it, and commercial garlic capsules do not preserve the full activity of the fresh bulb.

You can make raw garlic more palatable by chopping it fine, mixing it with food and eating it with a meal, or cut a clove into chunks, allow to sit for 10 minutes and swallow them whole like pills.

Try these appetizers featuring garlic:

• Garlic Walnut Dip
• Lemon-Garlic Hummus

Today’s Health Topics

Editor's Pick

• Collagen Supplements For Better Skin?

Health Focus

• 4 Reasons To Focus On Your Breath

Ask Dr. Weil's Q&A

• How Does Caffeine Affect Migraines?