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Garlic
Nutritional Benefits Garlic is an excellent source of vitamins A, B-complex and C. It provides a good supply of minerals like manganese, phosphorus, calcium, copper, potassium, iron and copper. It also contains amino acids, essential oils, glycosides, and the rare essential trace minerals like germanium, selenium and tellurium. The phytochemical in garlic includes anti-oxidant allium, which is also present in onions, leeks, chives and shallots. Garlic amazingly contains more than 12 types of anti-oxidants. Is it any wonder that it has numerous healing virtues? This is one of the few superfoods that doesn't lose its medicinal properties with cooking. However, garlic in its raw state has its other benefits too.
Health Benefits The health benefits of garlic revolve around its anti-microbial effect that efficiently combats bacteria, fungi, intestinal parasites, viruses, yeast, etc. It has natural antibiotic and immune enhancer ability, and is a potent anti-oxidant that helps neutralize the free radicals in the body. Take two or three cloves daily to see its efficacy in a variety of disorders: Anti-coagulant: The natural and effective blood-thinning method, safer than taking aspirin which can cause stomach bleeding. This means that it is protective against thrombosis¾blockages of blood flow by clots. Cancer prevention: Its anti-cancer properties help decrease the risks of cancers, especially stomach and colon cancer. Common cold: If you feel a cold coming on, take a clove or two of garlic to prevent it. If you have got a cold, take garlic too. It acts as a medication for the cold, helps relieve congestion and aids in speedy recovery. Cholesterol: Garlic juice significantly reduces the oxidation of the blood cholesterol and the build-up of plaque in arteries, decreasing the risks of heart diseases. Diabetes: Take one clove of garlic daily to lower blood sugar level. Encephalitis: Garlic taken in high doses (under doctor's observation) have been known to cure encephalitis, but please read the cautionary note below. Fungal infections: Raw garlic juice taken internally is effective in treating fungal infections like athlete's foot or ear infections. Also apply the juice directly to the affected area to soothe the itch. Hypertension: The cleansing of the arterial deposits helps to normalize blood pressure. Peptic ulcer: Also effective against the bacterial stomach parasite which causes peptic ulcers. Toxicity: The sulfur compounds in garlic greatly help in detoxifying the blood of toxins, lead and other heavy metals. Wind: Small amounts of garlic taken can help relieve gas in the stomach.
Raw garlic is not easy to eat, it needs getting used to. But understanding all the good things it does, you will eat it. If you still find it difficult, sneak one or two cloves or garlic into the juicer when you juice your favorite juice recipe.
Learn how to peel garlics in two seconds.
Caution Garlic is a very potent medicinal herb. Take no more than three cloves a day (especially if taken raw). One or two cloves daily is sufficient for you to enjoy all the health benefits it has to offer. As garlic has a blood-thinning effect, do not take it with other anti-coagulant drugs. Avoid taking large quantities of garlic. Though rare, high doses of garlic can trigger some health problems in some people¾causing anemia, weight loss, excessive gas, diarrhea or asthma.
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