Garlic is a popular medicinal herb. But what exactly are garlic supplement benefits? Garlic possesses a high antioxidant content that fight free radicals. Taking garlic supplement benefits the body by increasing one’s immune system against infections. Garlic in its raw form is very safe, but its allicin substance is so strong that it can cause stomach problems, bad breath or halitosis, and body odor.
A lot of people though would not eat lots of garlic for fear that they will have bad garlic breath. Nowadays, odorless garlic supplements are available in the drugstores and supermarkets in the form of garlic oil capsules or garlic pills.
Here are some of the garlic supplement benefits that you can enjoy from regular garlic supplementation.
Prevents Cardiovascular Diseases
According to an online resource, taking garlic supplement can decrease LDL and improve blood cholesterol levels in as short as 12 weeks (Medline Plus). LDL or low-density lipoproteins is a form of cholesterol building up in the blood vessels and which can lead to severe cardiovascular diseases. A low LDL can also slow down the incidence of blood clotting. Garlic supplements can be taken to aid in breaking up the coagulation of blood in the arteries. This process is called fibroinolysis. A good heart and thin blood flowing through the arteries will also lead to a lower blood pressure.
Fights Colds and Other Infections
Colds is a viral infection and can easily be caught if your immunity to viruses and bacteria is low. Fortunately, a cheap alternative to over-the-counter medicines for colds can solve this problem. An intake of garlic supplements can minimize the risk of catching colds.
Recovery from colds can also be quickened when you take garlic supplements. This was the result of a study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center. They gave garlic supplements to 150 people, the outcome revealed that the participants who took garlic supplements had low incidence of catching colds than those who didn’t. Also the same participants were found to have recovered from their colds faster.
According to other researches, garlic extracts can combat various kinds of bacteria. These include staphylococcus and streptococcus. Common diseases caused by staphylococcus are gastroenteritis and pneumonia. Tonsillitis, pharyngitis, meningitis, sinusitis and scarlet fever are a few of the diseases caused by streptococcus. Penicillin is the most prescribed antibacterial medicine but garlic supplements have the same potent effect as penicillin.
The distinct smelling garlic is also useful against gastric ulcers. It obstructs and eventually gets rid of the ulcer. This is because garlic promotes the secretion of a protective hormone that fortifies the stomach lining lessening the painful effect of ulcer.
Garlic is comparable to antifungal medicines in its potency to cure infections from fungus and yeast. Skin and ear infections caused by fungus will be healed using garlic supplements like garlic oil. It quickly relieves discomfort, itchiness and discharge of yeast infections.
Improves the Immune System and Prevents Cancer
Some forms of garlic can be very effective in boosting the immune system and prevents the mutation of certain kinds of cancer cells. It has been observed in some studies that intake of garlic supplement benefits has shown a significant relationship between regular consumption of garlic supplements and the reduction in risks of colon and stomach cancers.
Garlic has phytonutrients responsible for its pungent scent. Bioflavonoids are found in garlic and there are responsible for their red, yellow, and brown colors, and sulfur compounds that gives off the strong flavors. These same phytonutrients are usually included in any kind of anticancer diet. Gastric juices are secreted and improves the intestinal function and this in turn lowers the body’s risk to cancer. Finally, garlic contains a high percentage of Vitamin C and mineral selenium which also have very powerful anti-cancer components.
Just like any supplement, garlic supplement benefits are not at all conclusive. If however, you want to take garlic supplements, check first with your physician. Those taking drug prescriptions or will undergo surgery must be cautious about taking garlic supplements. For optimum benefits, choose quality garlic supplements and read the allicin level on the packet. Even if the supplement has no allicin, it will still have therapeutic effect to some people.