Regular consumption of garlic has a positive effect on the body's immune system. This is the reason why it is recommended for the prevention of various types of infections - viral, bacterial, including fungal. According to a study, daily intake of garlic reduces the number of colds by up to 63% within a calendar year. The average duration of cold symptoms is also reduced by up to 70%. Recommendations for daily consumption should be followed especially during the autumn-winter months.
What are these results due to? An important role is played by one of the compounds contained in garlic - allicin. Other substances are diallyl disulfide and S-allyl-L-cysteine. Garlic is also rich in manganese, vitamin B1 and B6, vitamin C, selenium, fiber, calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron. It also contains flavonoids, amino acids and oligosaccharides.
Consumption of garlic can also help detoxify the body from heavy metals. Sulfur compounds play a major role in this process. According to a study by employees of a car battery plant who are exposed to lead on a daily basis, it has been found that garlic reduces blood lead levels by up to 19%.
The active compounds in garlic are also involved in lowering blood pressure. Garlic can be taken in natural form or in the form of tablets, which contain active substances with hypotensive action. It also has a lowering effect on the level of total and bad cholesterol in the blood by about 10-15%.
The antioxidants found in garlic have a protective effect against Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Garlic is also good for bones. Regular consumption can minimize bone loss by increasing estrogen in menopausal women. Not only garlic but also onions have a beneficial effect on osteoarthritis.
Garlic can be added to almost any dish. It is available in various forms - cloves, garlic powder or garlic oil. Its only drawback is the smell, which causes bad breath after consumption, which is why it is best to consume in the evening.