National Garlic Day is April 19th. While many of us enjoy the taste of garlic, much to our loved ones’ chagrin (hey, that’s why God invented breath mints), not a lot of people know that garlic is really good for you!
With this in mind, here are 5 reasons to start eating more garlic:
1. It Boosts Your Immune System
Studies have shown that garlic supplements have the capacity to boost the immune system. One specific study found that daily garlic supplementation reduced the number of colds by a whopping 63%! As an added bonus, the length and symptoms of colds also decreased by 70%. Adding garlic to your diet may be a great way to stay healthy during cold and flu season.
2. Garlic May Reduce Blood Pressure
Heart disease and stroke are two of the world’s leading causes of death. And high blood pressure is one of the biggest drivers of these diseases.
Human studies have found that garlic supplements are able to significantly reduce a person’s blood pressure. In fact, some studies have found that aged garlic extract was just as effective at lowering blood pressure as one commonly prescribed medication!
3. Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels
Lowering your blood pressure is one way to keep your heart healthy. Another important way is to reduce your bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. Garlic supplements have also been shown to reduce LDL levels by as much as 15%, according to some studies.
4. Garlic May Prevent Cognitive Diseases
We know that oxidative stress and free radicals are what cause our body, including our brain, to age. Garlic contains powerful antioxidants that may protect against common brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
5. Garlic May Improve Bone Health
Rodent studies have shown that garlic may have the ability to increase estrogen levels in females, thereby decreasing the risk of developing bone loss. While no human studies have happened yet, the results so far are very promising.
It’s no wonder that for thousands of years, garlic has been used by people around the world for its medicinal properties. As our modern studies are now confirming what our ancestors knew, it’s time we all started eating more of the delicious and stinky vegetables.
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