10 Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic (Backed by Science)

When speaking of garlic, most of people think of its smell as a kind of spice. Garlic, however, is technically a potent vegetable with incredible, science-backed health benefits. Throughout this article, prepare to have you mind blown with the potential of garlic and how this “natural supplement” can power up your life!

1. Used primarily as medicine

While today we may think of garlic as just a type of spice, in ancient times, people used it primarily as a medicine! According to science, most of the benefits are caused by "sulfur compounds formed when garlic cloves are chopped, crushed, or chewed". Because of these properties, garlic can be used as a potent medicine to help detoxify and maintain joint health.

2. Improves Blood Flow

An early study in 2004 showed that ingesting garlic helps significantly increase blood flow to various parts of the body.

3. Boosts the Immune System

Since many of us were kids, we've been fed garlic during our first bouts of colds! One study found that taking garlic pills daily reduced the chances of getting colds by 63% compared to taking a placebo over a 12-week time span.

4. Aids Weight loss

With all its potent ingredients, it's no surprise that garlic can help with overall weight loss. Garlic's combined efforts to reduce fungi and microbes, balance blood sugar, and improve exercise performance can lead to overall weight loss and help our body detoxify.

5. Boots metabolism

Exactly! Garlic can help boost our metabolism. First, it's rich in vitamin C, B6, manganese, and calcium, all of which are necessary for fat loss. Second is that garlic can reduce insulin resistance, an important factor in a healthy metabolism and weight!

6. Cleanses the body

Yes! Garlic actually help cleanses our body. The properties in garlic, especially the sulfhydryl compounds are incredibly powerful in helping boost detox in our bodies.

7. Reduces Cholesterol

High Cholesterol is a battle many modern people are fighting these days. Fortunately, with the amazing health benefits of garlic, this powerful little vegetable could come to the rescue! There are some evidences proven that garlic reduces cholesterol.

8. Anti-Inflammatory

Chronic inflammation makes many people suffer from conditions like diabetes, allergies, and arthritis, and thankfully, garlic can fight inflammation in the body. According to recent research, garlic can be used to fight arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory superpowers.

9. Anti-fungal

Some studies suggest that fungi may be 'overgrowing' in our bodies due to too much sugar, processed foods and a poor overall diet that many of us have been accustomed to. Thankfully, garlic can be a powerful ingredient against this negative overgrowth!

10. Increase Athletic Performance

Garlic is one of the first exercise enhancers on the market! In fact, athletes in ancient Greece once used garlic. On the one hand, garlic is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from stress (including exercise stress), and on the other hand, garlic dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow.