Garlic belongs to the family of onions. Though it brings less tears to the eyes during cutting, it is more peperish in the mouth than onions.
The entire bunch is called a garlic bulb, while each segment is called a clove. There are about ten to twelve cloves in a single bulb.
Most of the health effects are caused by one of the sulfur compounds formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed or chewed. It is therefore advisable to cut the garlic into smaller pieces and leave them exposed to air for about three minutes before adding to cooking or even chewing. This will ensure that the allicin in the garlic is well activated.
This compound known as allicin is responsible for the distinct garlic smell and anti-oxidant properties.
There are encapsulated odourless garlic in health stores, but I doubt if these can have same potency as the real garlic. The smell should be considered as its inevitable side effects.
Allicin enters the body from the digestive tract and travels all over the body, where it exerts its potent biological effects.
Oxidative damage from free radicals contributes to the aging process. Garlic contains antioxidants that support the body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage .
High doses of garlic supplements have been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes in humans, as well as significantly reduce oxidative stress in those with high blood pressure .
The combined effects on reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as the antioxidant properties, may help prevent common brain diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Some Functions Of Garlic As Home Remedies:
– FOR HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND BAD CHOLESTEROL:
Mince some cloves of garlic, leave them exposed for about three minutes, add few drops of honey and take orally, twice daily about thirty minutes before meal.
– FOR COLD:
Mince garlic and some ginger in hot water for several
minutes,strain and drink.
– FOR ATHLETE’S FOOT:
To relieve itchy athletes,soak your feet in a
bath of water with crushed garlic.
– AS WORM EXPELLANT:
Soak about ten cloves of crushed garlic with five pieces of moringa seeds in a cup of
water overnight overnight. Next morning warm the mixture gently, strain and drink up on empty stomach.
– FOR EARACHE:
Extract some juice from the garlic, place there drops in both ears every night.
