If garlic were created in a laboratory rather than by nature, it would likely be a high-priced prescription drug. The benefits of garlic have been revered for centuries, and it has earned a reputation for combatting heart disease, reducing blood pressure, and even warding off colds. In this article, we delve into the remarkable attributes of garlic and explore its profound effects on various organs in the human body.
Garlic: A Time-Honored Medicinal Powerhouse
Garlic stands as one of the oldest known medicinal plants, and its healing properties have been acknowledged throughout history. Traditionally used for over 3,000 years, garlic’s potential was once regarded as mere folklore. However, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, garlic’s therapeutic roles have been substantiated by over 1,000 scientific studies.
Modern research has primarily focused on garlic’s ability to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, while also providing protection against strokes and heart disease. Let’s take a closer look at how garlic benefits various organs in the human body:
1. Liver Protection: Garlic activates liver cells, shielding the liver from toxic substances, rejuvenating it, and promoting its normal functioning.
2. Improved Blood Circulation: Heating garlic produces “ajoene,” which has a suppressive effect on blood clots and cholesterol, making it valuable for addressing atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
3. Stomach Regulation: Garlic promotes gastric juice secretion, balances stomach activity, and addresses digestive issues, such as constipation and diarrhea.
4. Enhanced Insulin Secretion: By activating the pancreas, garlic stimulates insulin secretion, contributing to the prevention and treatment of diabetes.
5. Blood Circulation Normalization: Garlic stabilizes blood pressure, dissolves cholesterol and fatty deposits in blood vessels, and refreshes the cells and blood inside the body.
Today, extensive scientific evidence supports the myriad health benefits of incorporating garlic into your daily routine.
The Wonders of Garlic:
Scientific studies on humans have revealed that regular garlic consumption can:
- Lower total cholesterol while raising the “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Boost the production of “natural killer” cells, strengthening the body’s ability to combat infections and tumors.
- Reduce blood pressure.
- Decrease the risk of blood clots, the culprits behind many heart attacks and strokes.
- Combat infection-causing viruses and bacteria.
Garlic, classified as both an herb and a vegetable, is a versatile ingredient found in a wide array of products, from ice cream to dry rubs.
Cooking Tips for Garlic:
- Prior to cooking, remove the garlic’s outer skin. You can achieve this by using a kitchen knife, a rubber garlic rolling tube, or by soaking the cloves in lukewarm water for 30 minutes.
- After peeling the garlic, choose a cooking method that complements your desired flavor profile, whether it’s sautéed for a savory taste, poached for a mild flavor, oven-roasted for a nutty, caramelized quality, fried for a crispy exterior, or grilled for a smoky finish.
- Be cautious when heating garlic, as it can easily burn, especially during sautéing. Heat it just until the oil sizzles, and then remove it. When cooking garlic alongside onions, start with the onions as they require more time to cook.
Garlic’s Role in Cancer Prevention:
The earliest scientific research on garlic and cancer dates back to the 1950s when scientists injected allicin, an active ingredient from garlic, into mice with cancer. Remarkably, mice that received the injection survived for over six months, while those without it survived only two months.
Incorporate garlic into your daily diet and experience the natural wonders of this incredible herb that has stood the test of time.