Health experts recommend using garlic in all meals for overall health uplift
Garlic is one of the most widely consumed herbs across the world. Not only it enhances the flavour of a dish, but it also has numerous health benefits with its fantastic medicinal properties. Health experts recommend using garlic in all meals for overall health uplift.
How does garlic help in reducing cholesterol?
Several studies have been conducted to find the effects of garlic on cholesterol. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, thio-sulfinite chemicals in garlic are converted into allicin when exposed to air while chopping and cutting the pods, which is used for reducing cholesterol levels.
Different garlic products will lower cholesterol levels at different rates. Garlic also gets its distinct smell from allicin, which benefits by:
Reducing LDL or bad cholesterol
Helps improve immunity
Lowers blood pressure
The best kinds of garlic for reducing cholesterol
Common types of garlic which is best for reducing cholesterol, according to health experts, include:
Black garlic extract: This is dark brown or black in colour and is made by ageing garlic cloves in low heat and high humidity for many days.
Kyolic garlic extract: This type of garlic is cooked in very low heat and stored for up to two years.
Raw garlic: It is in its natural form and consumed by eating early in the morning empty stomach for best results
Garlic oil: This oil is made by steaming crushed garlic.
According to a study, black garlic extract greatly reduces LDL cholesterol and increases HDL levels. In these studies, participants took 300 milligrams (mg) or 6 grams (g) of aged black garlic extract twice daily for 4 or 12 weeks.
Other benefits of garlic
A few other benefits of including garlic in your daily diet include:
Spike in immunity
Garlic helps fight against illnesses and infections and boosts your immune system to prevent colds and flu virus which becomes active every changing season.
Can prevent cancer
Eating fresh garlic may reduce the risk of colon cancer by about 35 per cent, according to various studies.
Is an antibiotic
Due to allicin, garlic acts as a bioactive antibiotic that fights infections and bacteria. It also restricts the growth of fungi, protozoa, and viruses.
Can prevent degenerative brain disorders
Due to the presence of antioxidants, garlic also prevents brain degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia. The antioxidant helps get rid of oxidative properties and the growth of healthy body cells.
Possible side effects
While many studies have proved it to be viable for heart health in the long run, for many people consuming garlic can have mild to severe side effects, which include:
Heartburn and acidity
Bad breath or foul smell
Flatulence and burping
Excessive bleeding in case of a cut as it stops blood from clotting.
