Garlic is known for its strong smell and wonderful taste. Garlic is also used in food to enhance the taste of food along with health and medicinal properties. It was used in ancient India for its medicinal and appetizing benefits. Six tastes have been described in Ayurveda, out of which five are present in garlic. It has a pungent, salty, sweet, bitter, and astringent taste. It doesn't just have a sour taste. Garlic is rich in antioxidants, anti-bacterial, antifungal, and anti-viral properties. It contains allicin and sulfur compounds. In addition, compounds such as Ajoene and Allein are also present in garlic, making garlic a more effective medicine. It is because of these elements and compounds that the taste of garlic is bitter but these components also give garlic its ability to remove the infection.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture, garlic is one of the oldest crops cultivated and is also called a 'natural antibiotic'. Apart from this, health experts around the world have named it 'Plant Talisman and Russian Penicillin (an anti-disease drug). Egyptian inscriptions mention that garlic was used as a supplement for the slaves who built the pyramids in ancient Egypt. According to historians, many years ago, Greek Olympic players used to consume garlic to improve their performance.

Effect of Garlic

The taste of garlic is hot and dry. Therefore, it should be used in limited quantities. Many times, many stomach problems arise due to its excessive use. It should be used sparingly even in summer because it is hot and because of the hot effect, it is generally recommended to use it in winters. If a person sees its side effects, then that person is advised to take coriander, lemon, mint, etc. In many cases, it has been seen that some people are allergic to it due to the sulfur present in it which can cause many problems. Therefore, people who feel allergic to it or who are allergic to it should not consume it.

Benefits of Garlic

Garlic is beneficial for weight loss

Garlic helps prevent weight gain. Its anti-obesity property helps in reducing obesity due to diet. Apart from this, the consumption of garlic promotes thermogenesis (the process of heat production in the body), which helps burn fat. Due to these unique properties, garlic provides relief from obesity. Apart from this, research published on the website of NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) also found that the anti-obesity properties present in garlic oil are effective in the problem of increasing weight due to a high-fat diet (HFD).

Garlic improves heart health-

Garlic is considered good for heart health. It helps in improving blood circulation, lowering cholesterol, and preventing heart disease. It slows down the progression of atherosclerosis (blockage or hardening of the arteries). Thus, it also helps in reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Garlic controls high BP-

Garlic contains gamma-glutamylcysteine, a natural ACE inhibitor that widens the arteries due to which high BP is controlled. Garlic may also reduce high blood pressure, especially systolic blood pressure. Therefore, people suffering from high blood pressure must eat some garlic buds daily on an empty stomach.

Garlic boosts the immune system-

Raw garlic juice was used as an antiseptic on wounds during World War I which helped save thousands of lives. It has been used as a treatment for a long time. Garlic can help with a variety of medical problems, including heart disease, high cholesterol, common cold, and flu. This is because garlic contains allicin which has a distinct odor. Garlic is a good source of vitamins C, B6, and minerals like selenium and manganese which help in boosting the immune system and also improve the absorption of minerals. Apart from this, garlic has antioxidant and antibiotic properties which strengthen the body's ability to fight diseases.

Garlic is an effective treatment for cold and cough-

Garlic offers antibiotic and antiviral benefits which makes garlic a wonderful remedy for cold and cough. It is also highly beneficial in treating various respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Apart from this, it also promotes cough-related phlegm.

Garlic reduces the pain of arthritis-

Garlic is a proven and effective remedy for reducing the pain and other symptoms of arthritis. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties contained in it help in reducing the inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis. It also contains a compound called coyly disulfide which helps in limiting harmful enzymes. Therefore, include garlic in your regular diet to reduce swelling and joint pain due to arthritis.

Raw garlic is beneficial to fight fungal infection-

Garlic has powerful anti-fungal properties which help fight fungal infections which can become a major factor in ringworm. Garlic also helps fight Candida. To beat fungal infections, apply garlic gel or oil to the affected skin areas. When suffering from mouth ulcers, apply garlic paste on the affected areas of the mouth and include raw garlic in your diet.

Garlic relieves toothache-

Allicin found in garlic inhibits bad bacteria which grow in the mouth and cause tooth decay. The use of garlic helps to control the population of bad bacteria and increase the good bacteria which helps in fighting gum disease. Garlic is considered very effective in reducing toothache. The credit for this goes to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. To get instant relief from a toothache, all you have to do is apply garlic oil or a piece of crushed garlic on the affected tooth and the gums around it.

Garlic is very beneficial in the digestion process-

Garlic regulates the functions of the stomach to increase digestive power. It is one of the most beneficial foods for the digestive system. It has a beneficial effect on the lymph and helps to eliminate the deadly substance present in the body. It increases the secretion of digestive juices and produces a very marked effect on the gut. It is an excellent agent as a worm expeller and also has a soothing effect on various forms of diarrhea. Problems like colitis, dysentery, and many other intestinal upsets can be successfully treated with fresh garlic or garlic capsules.

Uses of Garlic

• It is used by including a limited amount of garlic in the diet.
• Some people consume raw or dried garlic cloves every day on an empty stomach.
• Garlic can also be eaten by adding it to vegetables and soups.
• Many people also like garlic tea.
• Some buds of garlic are roasted in ghee and eaten.
• Garlic cloves heated in mustard oil are used for joint pain.
• Consume two to three garlic cloves mixed with green onion, broccoli, and beet juice.

Side effects of Garlic

• Eating garlic can lead to the problem of bad breath from the mouth or body.
• If someone is eating raw garlic, then he may also have heartburn and stomach-related problems.
• Eating too much garlic can cause bleeding problems. Therefore, if someone is going to have any surgery, then definitely consult a doctor before consuming it.