Garlic health benefits: Thins blood, cuts cholesterol

Garlic consists of a variety of potent sulphur containing compounds that yield the pungent odour. Another component called Allicin, is known for its effective anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-oxidant properties. Allicin, along with ajoene and allinin in garlic works on the functioning of circulatory, digestive and immunological systems of the body. Selenium, another important medicinal component is also present in garlic.

Let us take a look at some of the great health benefits derived from Garlic.

Skin infections – Ajoene, found in garlic helps fight many skin infections in a natural way. Garlic is useful for pertinent fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Blood pressure – Garlic is highly useful in controlling the high levels of blood pressure. Allicin, present in abundance, fights the activity of angiotensin II, that propels the contraction of blood vessels, leading to high pressure. The polysuphides in the garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. This dilutes the blood vessels and helps keeping the blood pressure under control.

Blood thinner – The ajoene component in garlic is excellent with anti-clotting properties. This helps the prevention of blood clot formation in the body, which increases the risk of bleeding after a surgery.

Cholesterol – Garlic also lowers bad cholesterol by lowering the blood triglycerides in the body, helping in maintaining a healthy heart.

Allergies – A proven natural for curing various allergies, garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-arthritic properties are due to diallyl sulphide and thia cremonone. Usually raw garlic juice has to be used for curing the skin and other allergies.

Cancer prevention - Helps to fight cancer, the anti-cancer properties in garlic are due to allyl sulphides. PhIP, a heterocyclic amine (HCA) causes breast cancer among women. Diallyl sulphide fights this amine and inhibits its transformation into carcinogens.

Weight Loss – As per the latest studies, garlic helps regulate the fat cell formation in the body. Pre-adipocytes are converted into fat cells, and these are reduced effectively by the anti inflammants like 1 and 2 DT (Vinyldithiin) found in garlic.