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Four health benefits of organic garlic

Garlic has a reputation for adding flavour to meals, omitting a strong odour and some people even believe it will keep vampires away! Garlic is actually one of the oldest plants in the world and has been used for thousands of years in Asia and Africa for endurance, strength and treating various body ailments.  Fresh, dried or flaked garlic all have similar health properties and should be used liberally in cooking.

Here are 4 of the health benefits of organic garlic:

Powerful Immune Booster

Garlic releases a sulphur compound called allicin which has natural antibiotic properties. Using garlic in food or taking it by itself (either fresh or it the form of a capsule) strengthens the immune system and can fight colds, flu and chest infections. It works against bacteria, viruses, yeast and parasites. It is notable that garlic is useful in treating bacterial infections that have become resistant to antibiotic drugs.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Studies have shown that people with high blood pressure respond favourably to treatment with garlic. In fact high doses of garlic extract proved to be just as effective as blood pressure medication. 4 cloves of garlic per day were needed to achieve the benefit. Garlic’s active ingredient allicin is believed to prevent contraction of the blood vessels which is responsible for increasing blood pressure. 

Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Garlic supplements appear to be able to reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels in patients with high cholesterol readings. It may do this by providing sulphur compounds which protect the blood vessels from oxidative stress and inflammation. Damage to these blood vessels is a key component in cardiovascular disease risk. Garlic is also an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful anti-oxidant that works in the bloodstream and protects LDL cholesterol from being oxidised.

Assists with detoxification

Garlic is rich in sulphur, a mineral that bonds with toxins and heavy metals. Sulphur is involved in an important liver detoxification process called sulphation, where toxins are neutralised. Eating garlic is advised if you have been exposed to toxins or heavy metals or are participating in a detoxification protocol.

Letting fresh garlic sit for a few minutes after you crush it actually increases the health benefits. Adults should consider consuming 2-4 cloves of garlic per day, and children can consume about one clove per day but split up into 2 or 3 doses.

Find organic garlic from Ananda Organic here

Sources
http://www.naturalblaze.com/2013/04/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-garlic.html
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/09/23/garlic-health-benefits.aspx