Garlic more than a delicious spice a Heart Healthy Food
Garlic - Allium sativum L.
Origin: Brazil
Used part: Bulb
Description:
Garlic, scientifically called allium sativum, is a food well known for its curative abilities, and is rich in many different nutrients, such as vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Among these assets, allicin and ajoene are outstanding. These two substances work directly on improving the cardiovascular system. Garlic also has antioxidant, antiseptic, expectorant and antimicrobial effects. It is also a natural strengthener of the immune system, in addition to being useful for the treatment of warts and calluses, when applied directly under the region.
Health benefits:
Garlic taken orally (by mouth) has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating high blood pressure, coronary artery disease (hardened arteries), stomach cancer, colon cancer or rectal cancer, and in preventing tick bites. Garlic applied to the skin may also be possibly effective in treating fungal skin infections such as ringworm, jock itch, or athlete's foot.
Garlic has also been used to treat high cholesterol, stomach ulcers caused by H. pylori, cancer, or circulation problems in the legs. However, research has shown that garlic may not be effective in treating these conditions. Other uses not proven with research have included preventing the common cold and improving urination problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
It is not certain whether garlic is effective in treating any medical condition. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Garlic should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.
Good Herbal Remedy:
- Combat high cholesterol and triglycerides by containing allicin;
- Reduce blood pressure as it relaxes blood vessels;
- Prevent thrombosis by being rich in antioxidants;
- Protect the heart by lowering cholesterol and blood vessels.
Directions:
Generally, in the most diverse recipes, the bulb, known as the "head of garlic" is used. Garlic is very democratic, and its medicinal properties can be enjoyed as much as seasonings as in teas. Cooked or raw, it is one of the best remedies to fight many diseases. In addition to the bulb, normally used in cooking for culinary purposes, we can find the garlic in the form of powder, in capsules or in essential oil. These variations are very useful in the preparation of home remedies, and can be found in markets, on the internet or in natural products stores.
Contraindications:
Taken as a medicinal preparation it should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding. As well as patients with thinning blood treatment and before surgery.