Overview

Garlic is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, Welsh onion and Chinese onion consumed since ancient times. Garlic has been used as a food and as a medicinal herb for thousands of years. Based on current trends, garlic use can be expected to continue to expand. The unique flavor and aroma of garlic have inspired countless culinary dishes and remedies for treating numerous medical conditions.

Benefits

Garlic promotes brain health because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is effective against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. Also, read more on the best brain foods to include in your diet.
Allicin, a compound found in garlic stops the oxidizing of LDL (bad cholesterol). This reduces cholesterol levels and improves heart health. Regular consumption of garlic reduces the incidence of blood clots and thus helps prevent thromboembolism. Garlic also lowers blood pressure so is good for patients with hypertension.
Digestive problems improve with the inclusion of garlic in the diet. It benefits the intestines and reduces inflammation. Eating garlic helps to clear out intestinal worms. The good thing is that it destroys the bad bacteria and protects the good bacteria in the gut.
Garlic protects against free radicals and prevents damage to the DNA. Zinc in garlic promotes immunity. Vitamin C helps to fight off infections. It is very beneficial against eye and ear infections as it has antimicrobial properties.
Garlic helps prevent acne and lightens acne scars. Cold sores, psoriasis, rashes, and blisters can all benefit from the application of garlic juice. It also protects against UV rays and therefore prevents ageing.
Because of a high amount of antioxidants, garlic protects the body against lung, prostate, bladder, stomach, liver and colon cancer. The antibacterial action of garlic prevents peptic ulcers as it eliminates the contagion from the gut.
Garlic reduces the expression of genes responsible for the formation of adipose cells which store fat. It also increases thermogenesis in the body and leads to the burning of more fat and the lowering of LDL (bad cholesterol).

Garlic is also believed to help reduce the stickiness of the platelets in your blood. These platelets are responsible for the clotting of blood. Consuming a healthy dose of garlic can help reduce the excessive clotting effect of platelets on the blood. Therefore, it may help prevent unnecessary blood clots inside arteries that may reach up to your heart causing a heart attack.Garlic is considered one of the best ”performance
enhancing”substances. In olden times, the item was used to treat fatigue and improve the work capacity of labourers.
The period of menopause for older women has often been associated with a lack of the female hormone known as oestrogen due to irregular production of a protein known as a cytokine. Consumption of garlic has been seen to regulate this to some extent and therefore, may be effective in overcoming oestrogen deficiency after menopause.
Consuming garlic in your regular diet can also help to prevent or reduce the onset of osteoarthritis. Research has shown that garlic contains a compound known as diallyl disulphide which helps to maintain bone density and therefore can potentially delay the onset of bone-related ailments like osteoarthritis.

Dosage

As a dietary supplements for adults take one capsule twice a day preferably after meal or as directed by physician.

Precautions

One must avoid having excess amounts of garlic during pregnancy or if nursing, children can take it in doses of up to 300 mg three times daily for up to 8 weeks and not more than that, people with the bleeding disorders must avoid garlic cap, if you undergo surgery, do not consume garlic cap as it may prolong bleeding and interfere with blood pressure. Stop having garlic cap two weeks before surgery and garlic might also lower blood sugar levels so one must be aware.

Side Effects

When you take garlic it is mostly safe. It can cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, gas, and diarrhoea. If you take raw garlic by mouth, the side effects are often worse and may increase the risk of bleeding and cause allergic reactions in some people.

Nutritional Value

100gm serving of garlic powder contain:

Calories 149 7%
Carbohydrates 33.1 g
Fibre 2.1 g
Fats 0.5g
Protein 6.4g
Vitamin B6 1.2mg
Vitamin C 31.2mg
Thiamin 0.2mg 13%
Riboflavin 0.1mg 6%
Also contains vitamins A, E, K, Niacin, Folate, Pantothenic acid and Choline
Manganese 1.7mg
Selenium 14.2mcg
Calcium 181mg
Copper 0.3mg
Phosphorus 153mg
Potassium 401mg
Iron 1.7mg