Health benefits and side effects of garlic

October 5, 2020 By Profile Off
benefits and side effects of garlic

What are the  health benefits and side effects of garlic and what is it good for? Here are the pros and cons of healing herbal miracle garlic. There are different opinions of people regarding the taste and smell of garlic . Some of them hate  garlic  and some are fond of it. For many people, the strong notes of garlic are so enchanting that it has long been used as a flavor enhancer in curries, stir-fries, pizzas, pastas, meat preparations, dips. But one thing remains constant is that it has the power to cure some of the most common ailments. So what are the health benefits of garlic? Here are the incredible health benefits and side effects of garlic.



Garlic is widely used as a flavoring in cooking, but it has also been used as a medicine throughout ancient and modern history. For preventing and treating a wide variety of diseases and conditions, garlic has been the biggest supporter. Garlic belongs to the Allium genus and is closely related to onion, rakkyo (an onion found in Asia), scallion, chive, leek and shallot. It has been used by humans for thousands of years and has been used in Ancient Egypt for both culinary and health and therapeutic benefits.

WHAT IS GARLIC?

Garlic, a bulbous plant species, is an annual herb. We can call it a cultivated plant for garlic, which does not grow in wild environment in nature. Germanium and garlic plants grown in selenium-rich soil it is grown in most of the Stone Bridge district of Kastamonu in Turkey. The smell of garlic, which has a long shelf life, is also very sharp.

Garlic contains 84.09% water, 13.38% organic matter and 1.53% inorganic matter at the beginning in terms of content. It also contains 33 kinds of sulfur compounds, 17 kinds of amino acids (these include all amino acids that are not directly synthesized by the body, but should be taken with food), germanium, zinc, vitamins A, B1 and C.

Pros and Cons of Garlic

Pros ( Health Benefits)of Garlic

  • Garlic is powerful antibiotic: Garlic strengthens the immune system by fighting infections. Garlic is a wonderful plant having the properties of empowering immune system, anti-tumour and antioxidant effects and garlic is good at fighting against bacterial diseases. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • Speeds up blood circulation: Heart-friendly garlic accelerates blood circulation and prevents vascular occlusions that can cause heart attack and stroke. How do you increase peripheral blood flow? Garlic supplementation increases peripheral blood flow. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • Garlic prevents cancer: It reduces the risk of developing cancer. It has preventive properties against pancreatic and colon cancer. It slows down the development of cancerous cells. Evidence supports that garlic consumption  has relation with decreased cancer incidence. Notably, aged garlic extract (AGE) exhibits stronger anti-cancer activities than that of fresh garlic. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • It is good for Alzheimer’s disease. There are studies on the benefits of aged garlic extract against cognitive and memory deficits have also been published.
  • It lowers blood sugar levels. Analysis showed that garlic reduces  fasting blood glucose concentrations. (Reference:  pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • It prevents artery calcification. Aged garlic extract retards progression of coronary artery calcification. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • It lowers the cholesterol level in the blood. According to National Health and Medical Research Council [NHMRC] levels of evidence, consuming a half to one clove of garlic (or equivalent) daily may have a cholesterol-lowering effect of up to 9%. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • It lowers high blood pressure. Garlic has the potential to treat mild hypertension. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • Garlic has the potential to decrease hypercholesterolemia. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • Garlic is good for to prevent atherosclerosis. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • It kills intestinal worms and other parasites in the body. It is scientifically proven that garlic is effectively used against bacterial, viral, mycotic and parasitic infections.  (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • It strengthens important organs such as lung, liver, gallbladder and heart. Garlic reduces dementia and heart-disease risk.  Garlic is good for cardiovascular diseases.  (Reference: academicjournals.org) Here are 10 different cardiovascular diseases:
  1. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
  2. Heart attack
  3. Heart failure
  4. Heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy)
  5. Heart valve disease
  6. Pericardial disease
  7. Peripheral vascular disease
  8. Rheumatic heart disease
  9. Stroke
  10. Vascular disease (blood vessel disease)
  • It has diuretic properties.
  • Feeding the heart, it expands the coronary vessels. Garlic relaxes vascular smooth muscle, induces vasodilation of blood vessels, and significantly reduces blood pressure. (Reference. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
  • It strengthens the heart muscles.
  • It prevents constipation.
  • It is good for toothache.
  • Garlic, which is also used in hair treatment, slows down hair loss.
  • It protects the body from mosquitoes and insects.
  • It lowers fever and blood pressure.
  • It helps in fungal treatment.
  • It removes inflammation of the ear.
  • It disinfects by killing infections in the stomach and intestines.
  • It increases appetite.
  • It eliminates wounds and boils in the body.
  • It is good for bronchitis and other trachea disorders.
  • It increases the release of bile secretion.
  • It prevents the formation of stones in the urinary tract and kidneys.
  • It increases sexual power.

Cons (Side effecs) of Garlic

  • As too much of everything is harmful, too much garlic can be harmful. When consumed excessively, stomach pain and skin itching were encountered.
  • As a result of excessive consumption, problems such as weakness and headache occur.
  • Due to its blood thinning properties, patients who use blood thinners should not use them without consulting their doctor.
  • Some experts suggest that birth control pills reduce their effectiveness.
  • Chemical burn of oral mucosa can be caused by crushed garlic specially when it is used to relieve toothache. (Reference: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

FAQ’s about Health benefits and side effects of garlic

  • Is garlic good for headaches? Not verified. You can read more about health benefits and side effects of garlic here: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Can garlic help the brain? Garlic has potential to help preserve brain function in an aging population. Via modulating the microbiome, garlic can increase short chain fatty acids to improve signaling between the gut and brain, improve the blood-brain-barrier, and protect the brain from oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
  • Is garlic good for hemorrhoids? Garlic is good for hemorrhoids. You can apply garlic in a few different ways to get rid of hemorrhoids. These include boiling the garlic and using its water, beating it with a crushed form, and inserting it into the anus in the form of a suppository. The important thing is that the garlic is used raw.
  • Is garlic good for hair? The vitamins and minerals found in garlic play an important role in hair health. For example, garlic, which contains plenty of calcium, is effective in hair growth by preventing imperfect growth when applied to the hair.
  • Is garlic good for stomach? Garlic helps the normal functioning of the intestines for good digestion. Even inflammation or irritation of the stomach canal can be reduced by using this herb.
  • Is garlic good for cancer? Garlic is also used for the prevention of lung cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, stomach cancer, rectal cancer, and colon cancer.
  • Is garlic good for the heart? The most surprising feature of garlic is that it prevents early heart disease by removing plaque buildup in the arteries of heart.
  • Is garlic good for cholesterol? Garlic can lower total and LDL cholesterol. For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplements reduce total and / or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15%. Looking specifically at LDL (“bad”) and HDL (“good”) cholesterol, garlic lowers LDL but has no reliable effect on HDL.
  • Is garlic good for high blood pressure? Can garlic lower blood pressure? It has been found that garlic helps control high blood pressure. One study has investigated the effect of garlic extract as an adjunct therapy for people who still have uncontrolled hypertension on antihypertensive medication. Garlic has once again proved to be very effective. The study evaluated 50 people with “uncontrollable” blood pressure. Taking four garlic extracts daily for three years caused blood pressure to drop by an average of 10 points.
  • Is garlic good for Alzheimer’s disease? The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of raw garlic help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s.
  • Is garlic good for alcohol-induced liver damage? Scientists at the Institute of Toxicology concluded that diallyl disulfide DADS, a garlic-derived organosulfide compound, may help protect against ethanol-induced liver damage.
  • Is garlic good for digestion? Garlic helps the normal functioning of the intestines for good digestion.
  • Is garlic good for the eyes? Garlic is rich in nutrients such as Selenium, quercetin and vitamin C, all of which help against eye infections and inflammation.
  • Is garlic good for ear pain? Due to its antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties, garlic is widely used to treat ketones and ear infections.
  • Is garlic good for wounds? It acts as an effective herbal treatment for infected wound. It will be enough to apply 2 teeth to the infected area to provide instant relief.
  • Is garlic good for acne? In combination with other ingredients such as garlic, honey, and turmeric, it can be used to treat acne scars and prevent the onset of acne. Garlic is an effective skin cleanser and an antibiotic that helps treat many skin conditions. It also helps in cell synthesis, protection against UV rays, and delay aging.
  • Does garlic make you lose weight or not? Regular consumption of garlic also has the effect of burning more calories by accelerating the metabolism. While garlic, swallowed alone without diet or exercise, only speeds up the metabolism, you can lose weight noticeably with various exercise movements and proper nutrition.
  • Can garlic tighten the virgina? What can be used to tighten the virgina? Everything from lemon juice and cucumber to garlic and yoghurt has been cited as a way to cleanse and tighten the vagina. (Not verified)
  • Can garlic cause gas? Allergy or intolerance to other compounds found in garlic is also fairly common, with symptoms such as bloating, belching and gas.
  • Can garlic cause heartburn? Garlic consumption is associated with heartburn  and it can be seen  more in people with acid reflux.
  • What are the common side effects of taking garlic supplements daily?Regular consumption of garlic supplements can lead to several side effects:​
    • Gastrointestinal Issues: Users may experience nausea, vomiting, gas, or diarrhea. ​
      Drugs.com
    • Heartburn: Some individuals report heartburn or a burning sensation in the mouth or throat. ​
      Drugs.com
    • Unpleasant Odor: Garlic supplements can cause bad breath and body odor. ​
      Drugs.com
  • Can garlic pills cause allergic reactions?Yes, garlic pills can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals, leading to symptoms such as:​,
    •   Skin Irritation: Redness, swelling, or blistering, especially when applied to the skin. ​
    • Respiratory Issues: Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. ​
  • Are there any side effects associated with aged garlic extract supplements? Aged garlic extract supplements are generally well-tolerated but may still cause:​
    • Digestive Disturbances: Including nausea, gas, or diarrhea.​
    • Bleeding Risk: Garlic might increase the risk of bleeding. ​
  • What are the potential side effects of consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach? Eating raw garlic, especially on an empty stomach, can result in:​
    • Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Such as heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.​
    • Bad Breath: A strong, lingering garlic odor.​
    • Allergic Reactions: Including skin rashes or respiratory issues.​
  •  How does garlic interact with blood-thinning medications? Garlic has natural blood-thinning properties, which can enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications like warfarin, potentially leading to an increased risk of bleeding. ​
  • Can excessive garlic intake lead to liver toxicity? While moderate garlic consumption is generally safe, excessive intake has been linked to liver toxicity in some animal studies. However, more research is needed to determine its effects on human liver health.​
  • Are there any cardiovascular side effects of garlic supplements? Garlic supplements are generally considered beneficial for cardiovascular health, potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, individuals on blood pressure medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. ​
  • Can garlic supplements cause skin irritation when applied topically? Yes, applying raw garlic directly to the skin can cause severe irritation, burns, or blistering. It’s advisable to use formulated garlic products for topical application. ​
  • What are the digestive side effects of consuming large amounts of raw garlic? Consuming large quantities of raw garlic may lead to digestive issues such as heartburn, gas, or diarrhea. These side effects are often more pronounced with raw garlic compared to cooked forms. ​
  • Is it safe to take garlic supplements during pregnancy?

While garlic in dietary amounts is generally safe during pregnancy, consuming garlic supplements in medicinal amounts may not be advisable due to limited research on their safety. Pregnant women should consult their healthcare provider before taking garlic supplements.

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