It has an odor from your breath but smells great coming from your food. We are talking about garlic. Besides being a welcome addition to steaks and stews, it is also a fighter for health in your body. Here are some of the benefits of using garlic. Some Facts about Garlic Garlic is a widely used spice that has had a place in medicine and gastronomy for centuries. Like many herbs and spices, it got its start not at the dinner table but as an instrument of healing. Garlic is related to onions and shallots. They come from the same family. All you have to do is see it to know this. It is native to Asia. During wars, garlic was used on wounds as a healing agent. This is due to its antibacterial agents, to help fight infection. On food, the savory smell released can bring people running from miles around. It is a welcome addition to stews, soups and as a flavoring for steaks and roasts. Just slide a few slivers of garlic into cuts in the meat to infuse it with flavor as it cooks. In Asia, the leaves of the garlic plant are also cleaned and sautéed with vegetables and meats in main dishes. Health Benefits of Garlic If you already eat garlic – good. You might be reaping the health benefits without even knowing it. Just like other spices, you get benefits using dried varieties but fresh is better whenever you can get it. Garlic contains a compound called allicin. Onions have it too. It is known to help lower blood pressure. Increased blood pressure, combined with other negative health symptoms can lead to a chance of stroke or heart attack. Eating it regularly can help reduce your risk of heart disease. We mentioned earlier about garlic being used for wounded soldiers. It has been shown to help stop the spread of infection, bacterial and fungal. Eating a clove of raw garlic can help ease intestinal disorders when caused by infection as well as fungal ones such as yeast. This helps to regulate the bacteria of the intestinal tract without stripping it of the good bacteria needed for your health. You may have seen garlic pill supplements in your health food store or pharmacy. They are used to help lower cholesterol. A more cost effective way to lower your bad cholesterol is to eat raw garlic regularly. Adding it to your diet will help get your cholesterol numbers under control. Heard of feeding a cold? Use garlic. Eating garlic can help reduce your likelihood of getting a cold or the flu. If you already have a cold, it can reduce your symptoms and help you recover faster. Garlic tastes good and it can help you fight infection and poor health.
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