Garlic was for thousands of years, been considered one of the most powerful gifts of Mother Nature to us.
There’s evidence that garlic has been used since ancient Egyptian times as powerful antibiotic, some scholars even go further back in time saying that garlic had its use even before the rise of ancient civilizations.
In Central Europe, during the Neolithic period, nomadic and tribal people used to crush these garlic cloves and mix them with fermented goat milk and herbs, thus healing the sick by destroying any harmful micro bacteria inhabiting the body. It was used as a treatment of fever and coughs.
Garlic has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe.
Ancient Health Benefits of Garlic
1. Improves the immune system
Nowadays, the secrets of garlic have been mostly revealed and science has revealed that indeed it is a very powerful antibacterial and a great support for the immune system, being a great natural remedy to prevent and at the same time to treat colds.
Garlic is one of the world’s healthiest foods and its uses vary from culinary purposes as a seasoning or condiment, to natural remedies against the flu.
Consumed daily, or even a few days apart, garlic may be able to eliminate toxic waste from within our bodies, while our immune system gets a hefty boost.
2. Lowers the risk of cancer
To begin with, in recent years, consumption of garlic has been proven to lower the risk of stomach cancer and prostate cancer, including lung and breast cancer.
Although garlic has a pungent and strong odor and many avoid consuming it, garlic should be used regularly in our daily diets. Because of its antibacterial properties, garlic can influence cell death, hence blocking the formation of cancer substances.
3. Garlic helps in digestion
This member of the lily family also aids in the digestion of food, especially after a fatty meal. In other words, in combination with enzymes from our gut, more nutrients from food are absorbed better. If consumed before a meal, it may increase one’s appetite. Also, if consumed alone, it is said it may destroy parasitic entities which inhabit the intestines such as worms and other parasites because it contains selenium, vitamin C and iron (eating garlic is a good way to improve iron metabolism).
All of these elements are key components in creating a powerful antibacterial medium, which also improves virility in men and strengthens the heart.
4. Contributes for a good liver function
Garlic is also well known for its effect on the liver, by helping improve the immune system work properly. While the liver is the main tool which the body uses to detoxify itself, it is essential that it must be kept in working order.
5. It is a way to ease a toothache
There are many natural remedies for a toothache but by far the best-known remedy is the famous garlic. It contains a substance called allicin that gives it the property to act as an antibiotic.
To get rid of a toothache, take a clove of garlic and crush it very well. Mix it with a pinch of salt and then apply the garlic on the area and let it a few minutes until it takes its effect. Repeat the action for a few days or even a week.
6. Garlic as a beauty secret
Being a close ally of the ladies, it helps, and in most cases eliminates acne and improves skin condition. Garlic can be used mixed with olive oil. The resulting mixture can be applied to the hair while massaging the scalp for about 20 to 30 minutes, in this way keeping the hair shiny and with strong roots.
By mixing a clove of garlic with some yogurt, ladies can apply some of the mixtures on their skin. This will decrease redness in the skin and improve subcutaneous blood flow, thus eliminating any swellings.
Again for the ladies, take two garlic cloves and crush them and mix with lemon juice. Insert your fingernails in the mixture for about 7-10 minutes. By doing this at least once a week, your nails will be strong and not break as easily, also restoring their natural shininess.
7. Garlic helps in reducing weight
For those of you looking to lose some weight, garlic can help you with that too, by lowering cholesterol levels. A diet rich in garlic can help control body weight, and it may reduce fat stores.
Also, if you’re feeling down, depressed and anxious, have some garlic with your food and guaranteed it will make you feel more relaxed and less stressed.
8. Prevents common allergies
Besides selenium, sulfur and calcium can also be found in garlic[1]. It is also well known as anti-inflammatory and even helps the body fight against some common allergies and might even heal warts and herpes. For healing, rub warts daily, using a clove of garlic.
Garlic Could Deliver Side effects
With all being said, there are however some side effects, mainly for people who have allergies.
Some of these side effects include bad body odor, bad breath, and some digestion problems. While side effects are rare, they should be taken into account when one decides to eat garlic or decides to supplement with garlic for medicinal purposes.
In conclusion, for as long as man has cultivated this earth, garlic has been one of its greatest allies curing the man of many illnesses, allowing him to sleep better and improve his overall condition. It has been used since the beginning of time until now, due to its properties and beneficial effects on the human body. Garlic not only strengthens the immune system and stimulates the natural production of antibodies, but also helps to cure insomnia, treats acne, allergies and even can prevent cancer.
It also helps the body fight against hair loss, strengthens the nails and removes bacteria from within the body.
Aioli Garlic Sausage
Eating garlic is healthy but after you’ll try this garlicky mayonnaise called aioli you’ll always make sure to have your garlic stash somewhere near.
With help from a food processor add the required ingredients but not all at once – first the smashed garlic, mustard and the egg and after some blending gradually add olive oil and salt.
With all this being said, we can easily say that a clove of garlic a day, keeps the doctor away!