Garlic has long been touted as a health booster, but it’s never been clear why the herb might be good for you. Garlic contains multiple compounds and antioxidants including organo sulfur compounds , which are believed to be responsible for most of the pharmacological and antimicrobial actions.

Garlic is a proven broad-spectrum antibiotic that combats bacterial, intestinal parasites, and viruses. It can lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol, discourage dangerous blood clotting, lower chances of cancers . Garlic is a good cold medicine, acts as a decongestant, expectorant, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory agent. It has antidiarrheal, estrogenic, and diuretic activity and appears to lift mood.

If you enjoy eating Mediterranean or Far Eastern food you’ll notice that garlic is used a lot. The good news is that people from these areas also have low incidences of cardiovascular disease.

  • Garlic is most effective when crushed or chopped and when raw.
  • The American Dietetic Association suggested that in order to obtain the potential health benefits of garlic, one must take 600- 900 mg  per day.
  • In order to maximize the health benefits of garlic, it is suggested to wait 15 minutes between peeling and cooking garlic to allow the enzymatic reaction to occur to retain some health benefits of garlic.
  • Be careful about taking too much as it can irritate your digestive system.
  • Don’t microwave garlic as this kills the active ingredients.
  • Don’t take garlic instead of a healthy balanced diet.
  • Garlic supplements may interact with certain drugs such as anticoagulants.
  • Always consult a doctor if you are unsure about anything.