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If you are a fan of garlic, you will be happy to know that not only is it part of popular medicine, but its health benefits have already been proven in scientific studies.
Cholesterol: Studies indicate a reduction of up to 15% in total and LDL cholesterol with daily use of garlic, helping with cardiovascular health.
Diabetes: Garlic supplementation has shown a positive impact on glucose levels, with significant reductions observed in diabetic patients.
Blood Pressure: Garlic acts as a vasodilator and may reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension, although more research is needed.
Heart Health: Its antioxidant compounds contribute to the health of the arteries, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and controlling platelet aggregation.
Cancer: Studies suggest that garlic may lower the risk of several types of cancer, but more research is needed to fully understand its effect.
Cough and Flu: While some evidence points to antimicrobial properties, there is no confirmation that garlic can prevent or cure colds and flu.
Consuming a raw garlic clove a day, around 5g, can provide part of the benefits. Garlic supplement is also an option.
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Excess garlic can cause digestive problems and interfere with the clotting process. Limit yourself to around 10g of raw garlic per day.
Medical Consultation: Before starting garlic supplementation, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional, especially for those pre- or post-operatively.
If you don’t like garlic, you can try other members of the same family, such as onions, leeks and chives, which offer similar benefits.
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In addition to garlic, include omega 3s, greens, legumes and fruits in your diet to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.