What is garlic good for

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The team investigated the intake of dried fruit and Alliums among 18, women in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort, of whom 5 percent underwent spontaneous PTD preterm delivery. In particular, garlic was associated with overall lower risk of spontaneous PTD. A team of researchers from St.

Though there is some research to suggest that raw garlic has the most benefits, other studies have looked at overall allium intake, both raw and cooked, and have found benefits. Therefore, you can enjoy garlic in a variety of ways to reap its advantages. In this Honest Nutrition feature, we explore the practice of "clean eating," and why this concept has been a controversial one for researchers.

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What are the benefits of garlic? Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R. History Uses Benefits Garlic Allium sativum , is used widely as a flavoring in cooking, but it has also been used as a medicine throughout ancient and modern history; it has been taken to prevent and treat a wide range of conditions and diseases. Share on Pinterest There are many medicinal claims about garlic. Share on Pinterest Garlic may contain heart-protective chemicals.

Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Costs associated with obesity may account for 3. Luckily for us cooks, the action of chopping or crushing garlic supposedly stimulates the production of allicin; however, it is thought that cooking garlic inhibits the formation of some of the perceived medicinal properties.

Tip: If you love eating raw garlic but hate the lingering aftertaste, try chewing parsley — it works very well as a breath freshener. Several studies suggest that garlic makes platelets the cells involved in blood clotting less likely to clump together and stick to artery walls, therefore acting as an anticoagulant and reducing the risk of heart attacks.

The sulphurous compounds in garlic have also been studied for their ability to inhibit cancerous cells and block tumours by slowing DNA replication and increasing endoplasmic reticulum stress. The ability of these compounds to depress tumour cell proliferation is still being studied extensively.

Garlic may lower blood pressure slightly , mainly through its ability to widen blood vessels. Garlic has a long history of use as an infection fighter against viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Some skin conditions, such as warts and insect bites, may respond to garlic oil or a crushed raw garlic clove. Legend suggests that Egyptian pharaohs prized garlic very highly, and slaves building the pyramids were given a daily ration to keep them fit and strong.

Throughout history, garlic has been regarded as a well-trusted remedy, especially during epidemics such as cholera and tuberculosis and in World War I, where it was used as an antiseptic applied to wounds to cleanse and heal and to treat dysentery caused by the poor sanitary conditions in the trenches. For the best flavour and maximum health benefits, buy fresh garlic. Do not buy garlic that is soft, shows evidence of decay or is beginning to sprout.

Garlic in flake, powder or paste form is convenient, but it is not as good as fresh garlic. It is best stored at room temperature in an uncovered container in a cool, dark place away from exposure to heat and sunlight. Storing it in this manner will help prevent sprouting. Heat prevents this reaction, so let garlic sit on the cutting board for at least 10 minutes before cooking. Minimize garlic breath. The smell of garlic can stay on your breath and be excreted by the lungs for a day or two after you eat it.

A study published in the Journal of Food Science in suggests that munching on raw mint leaves, apples, or lettuce after a garlicky meal can help by neutralizing the sulfur compounds in garlic responsible for its odor.

I'm a former scientist, using words and an audio recorder as my new research tools to untangle the health and food issues that matter most to consumers. I live in Brooklyn, N. You can find me in the grocery aisle scrutinizing the fine print of every food item I put into my cart. Follow me on Twitter juliacalderone. Sign In. Become a Member. Remember Me. Forgot username or password? Not a member? Need further assistance? Please call Member Services at