Monday, October 11, 2010

Garlic- Health Benefits and Uses

Garlic’s health benefits have been known for a long time. It was widely used in ancient Egypt. It is an extensively used herbal medicine. In its natural form, it contains an antibiotic called allicin. It also contains sulfides. It is said to fight against certain types of cancers. It can lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. It can also fight plaque formation in the arteries. It also helps to prevent atherosclerosis.

Garlic is used in the treatment of asthma. It is said to reduce the intensity of attacks. As it has a pungent smell and bad odor, the best way to consume garlic would be to cut the cloves into pieces and swallow it like tablets. Consuming it like this, you can escape from the foul smelling breath. It can prevent the formation of blood clots and reduce the chances of a stroke. It is also used as a mild antibiotic, and an antibacterial agent.

Fresh garlic can be used as an anti-fungal herb. It has been used to fight the some of the most dangerous bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics. Only fresh raw garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. When cooked it loses most of its properties. Garlic extracts, as they are not fresh also tend to lose their medicinal value.

It has been used as preventive and cure for colds, cough and asthma for ages. It is also said to boost metabolism. Consuming garlic has very little side effects. Topical application of garlic is also prevalent. It can also be used as a mosquito repellent. Cut it into half and keep it in a room. It will drive away the mosquitoes.

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