Do you already know these benefits of garlic?

Eating garlic on an empty stomach, which has the same effects as eating it at any time of the day, but it does not help much if it is swallowed whole.

The correct thing is to crush it or, better yet, cut it into thin slices and, if you want to soften the flavor a bit, mix it with olive, flax, walnut or coconut oil.

This is because its main therapeutic virtues come from allicin, a component that is inside garlic, but is only released when it comes into contact with oxygen .

Photo: Envato.

To get into the matter, we share the nutritional value for every 100 g. raw garlic:

• Energy: 149 Kcal.
• Total Fat: 0 g.
• Carbohydrates: 33.1 grams.
• Cholesterol: 0mg.
• Sodium: 17mg.
• Water: 58.58mg.
• Protein: 6.36g.

With these data in mind, you will have a clearer idea of ​​the vitamins and minerals that it contributes to your body, in addition to the following 6 benefits.

1. A great antibiotic.

The antibacterial activity of Garlic it is again due to allicin and it is considered that the French scientist Louis Pasteur was the first to attribute this property to it in 1858.

More recently, some studies claim that it can be effective against numerous bacteria , including salmonella and Escherichia coli.

2. It is a powerful antifungal.

Photo: File.

The extracts of this plant are capable of reducing the need for oxygen of some of the numerous fungi , which slows down their growth and inhibits the synthesis of lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.

Garlic juice is used in certain places to control pests in agricultural areas because it is believed to be as effective as insecticides and much less harmful.

3. Antivirus for humans.

Although little has been studied capacity against viruses, in vitro research has established that it has some activity against the flu , however, it has not been possible to demonstrate 100% that it is effective in preventing colds.

A 12-month study revealed that those taking a garlic supplement had 63% fewer colds than those taking a placebo and also had a 70% reduction in sick days, which was five days for those subjected to placebo and one and a half to the rest.

Photo: File.

But experts believe that the samples are not enough, because the specific doses that could be therapeutic have not been established or if they present contraindications or side effects.

Do you need more help against the cold? Read: Turmeric: India's Ancient Medicinal Plant .

4. Powerful action against LDL.

In most studies that have resulted in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction, you had to consume between a half and a gram a day.

It depends a lot on the dose and that the more garlic you eat, the lower your cholesterol level , it is not very clear how garlic should be consumed, whether in powder, extract, oil, capsules or tablets.

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5. Helps lower blood pressure.

The sulfur contained in garlic stimulates the production of nitric acid in the veins, which relaxes and improves their elasticity and allows a more fluid passage of blood.

According to a study published by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who achieved a reduction in blood pressure had taken between 480 and 960 mg of garlic (a clove weighs about 2 grams).

Some experts advise taking a clove or two on an empty stomach for a few days or weeks as needed; others increase the dose to no less than four cloves of garlic daily for the result to be significant, but they warn that it should never be taken as a substitute for any drug in case of high blood pressure.

6. It is a natural antioxidant.

Photo: Envato.

Fresh garlic extracts contain antioxidants that prevent degenerative diseases . The substance that is obtained has antioxidant properties due to the fact that very unstable molecules such as allicin have been modified.

That is why it can have palliative effects in ailments related to aging, such as dementia and Alzheimer's ; although also in this case, to notice its benefits, it would be necessary to eat considerable quantities.

We invite you to read our first part of this article and the beneficial properties of garlic. You can read it by giving here .