One of the More Potent Medicinal Spices

Many compounds in garlic, such asallicin, give it medicinal properties.

Garlic is known to have antioxidant,anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

It also may protect the heart, liver, immune system, digestive system, and more.

An image of garlic cloves at a market

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Garlic is a diverse plant that can be eaten raw, cooked, and even taken as a supplement.

Most foods retain the highest amounts of nutrients when eaten raw.

Cholesterol

Many studies have evaluated garlic’s potential to lowercholesterol.

Blood Pressure

Garlic may also help withhigh blood pressure.

Thislowered blood pressurewas associated with a 16% to 40% reduction in cardiovascular event risk.

Liver Health

Garlic may help with liver health, too.

Additionally, research found that consuming raw garlic may reduce the risk ofliver cancer.

Digestive System

Garlic is also good for gut health.

Researchers concluded that garlic is a potentialprebioticthat can help prevent gut microbiome disturbances induced by diet.

Nervous System

Garlic protects the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

What Time of Day Should You Eat Garlic?

What About Garlic Supplements?

The health benefits are the same.

Should Anyone Not Eat Garlic?

Garlic is safe for most people to eat daily.

However, some people should avoid it or use care when consuming garlic.

Limit or avoid garlic if you:

Whats Considered Too Much Garlic?

There are no dietary guidelines or recommendations for how much garlic to consume.

However, generally, one clove is considered a serving.

The most common symptoms of overeating garlic include body odor and breath that smells like garlic.

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms of too much garlic includegas, bloating, and heartburn.

Summary

Garlic is one of the most researched medicinal herbs.

Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antitumor properties offer many evidence-based health benefits.

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