Through
centuries garlic has been known and used for their excellent health
benefits. In alternate medicine like
Indian Ayurveda, the excellent health benefits of garlic have been mentioned in
great detail. Garlic contains several unique compounds namely allicin that
makes it so special and different. Small amounts of Vitamins A, B, C and E are
present in garlic. It also contains minerals like potassium, sodium, iron and
calcium. Garlic helps to prevent heart disease, diabetes and various kinds of
cancer. Garlic is most commonly used as a dietary supplement for
preventing high blood pressure, cholesterol and heart disease.
Garlic
when consumed regularly, can help prevent stomach and colon cancer as well.
Now, scientific research is also showing that garlic can also be used to
control weight gain because of a unique substance allicin present in garlic.
Garlic can be eaten raw, dried and powdered or in a capsule form. Raw garlic
can also be mixed with oils to make garlic flavored oil that can be used for
cooking. Garlic when eaten along with foods acts as an appetite suppressant
which sends signals to our brain telling us to eat less. Garlic also acts to
our nervous system to help release the hormone adrenaline which increases
metabolism and helps us to burn more fat.
There are more than two hundred chemical compounds in
garlic. The most important ones are allicin,
alliin, and ajoene which are a kind of volatile oil with sulphur containing
compounds. There are also some enzymes like allinase, peroxidase and myrosinase.
Allicin gives the garlic excellent antibiotic properties and is also
responsible for the strong odor. The anticoagulant action of garlic is achieved
through the substance called Ajoene. Some other substance like citral,
geraniol, linalool, Aphellandrene and B phellandrene are also present in
garlic. Garlic also contains a substance usually found in the onion family and
is known for its therapeutic use. This substance is known as Allyl.
Scientific
studies have shown that one to half a clove of garlic can effective reduce
cholesterol levels by up to nine percent. However, dieticians prefer to
restrict the amount of garlic eaten to up to three cloves a day. So if you want
to lose weight through the use of
garlic start taking a small portion of it along with your daily diet.
