10 Health Benefits of Garlic (Lahsun)
By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi
Last updated: Oct 25, 2024 Published on: Feb 1, 2022
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By Dr. Nikita Toshi +2 more
Table of Contents
Garlic has been part of the kitchens for centuries. This herb has curative and medicinal properties because of its antibacterial and antiseptic nature. The beneficial properties of garlic are because of a compound, Allicin. It is rich in minerals like phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Vitamins C, K, Folate, niacin and thiamine also are found abundantly in garlic.
Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.
Did You Know?
Here is the nutritional chart for 100 grams of raw garlic. Note that 1 medium to large garlic clove weighs between 3-8 grams each. (RDI- Percentage of recommended daily intake)
Raw garlic has the potential to ward off cough and cold infections. Eating two crushed garlic cloves on an empty stomach has the maximum benefit. For kids and babies, hanging garlic cloves in a thread around their necks is supposed to relieve congestion symptoms.
From what I have seen, garlic oil might possess anti-inflammatory properties. In cases of soreness and inflammation in joints or muscles, applying garlic oil topically may be beneficial. Rubbing the affected area with garlic oil can potentially help reduce inflammation and provide relief.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
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.
Also Read: 20 Essential Tips for a Healthy Heart
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.
Digestive problems improve with the inclusion of raw garlic in the diet. It benefits the intestines and reduces inflammation. Eating raw 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.
Those who suffer from diabetes observe their blood sugar levels regulating the consumption of raw garlic.
Based on my observations, garlic has been potentially used in traditional medicine for ages. It’s pretty fascinating how it can be helpful in different things. For instance, studies have shown that garlic may be effective in dealing with warts, denture stomatitis, venous ulcers, and even skin wounds. So, if you’re dealing with any of these issues, using garlic might just do the trick.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
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.
Read More: 7 Home Remedies for Glowing Skin
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).
Apart from the fact that it is good for weight loss, garlic is highly nutritional. In fact, one clove of raw garlic, which is around 3 grams, contains:
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. Studies on rodents suggest consuming garlic helps in improving exercise performance. People who had heart disease consumed garlic for 6 weeks and this resulted in a 12% reduction in their heart rate and better exercise capacity.
Fresh garlic juice has the potential to reduce the growth of E. Coli bacteria that cause urinary tract infection (UTI). It also helps prevent kidney infections.
Garlic reduces infections on wounds, promotes hair growth, bone health and liver health. Most of the home remedies are effective only if garlic is consumed raw.
According to studies from Japan, raw garlic when aged in a mixture of water and alcohol may have significant effects on exercise endurance. Human studies have also been conducted that have shown that garlic can indeed improve the symptoms of exercise fatigue.
For people who are susceptible to lead poisoning due to occupational hazards, garlic may be the best organic solution. Studies conducted in 2012 have revealed that garlic is in fact, safer and better at reducing lead poisoning of the blood than d-Penicillamine, which is the common drug used to treat the same.
I think that garlic might be good for your arteries and blood pressure. When we eat garlic, the sulphur in it gets converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide. This gas may help expand our blood vessels, which makes it easier to control blood pressure. However, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether adding more garlic to your diet might be beneficial or not.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
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.
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.
When you take garlic by mouth 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.
Garlic products like gels and pastes are possibly safe. But garlic might cause skin damage that is similar to a burn. Especially raw garlic when applied to the skin might cause severe skin irritation.
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, if you undergo surgery, do not consume garlic as it may prolong bleeding and interfere with blood pressure. Stop having garlic two weeks before surgery and garlic might also lower blood sugar levels so one must be aware.
Yes, garlic has been shown to modestly reduce cholesterol levels, especially LDL (bad) cholesterol, when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. Its active compounds may help inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver and improve overall cardiovascular health.
Garlic is generally not recommended for individuals with acidity or acid reflux problems. It can potentially aggravate symptoms due to its ability to stimulate gastric acid secretion. People prone to acidity should limit garlic intake and consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary recommendations.
Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit liver health by supporting its detoxification processes. Regular consumption of garlic in moderation as part of a balanced diet can potentially help protect the liver from oxidative stress and inflammation. However, individual responses may vary, and consulting a healthcare provider is advisable for specific liver health concerns.
Yes, consuming excessive amounts of garlic can lead to digestive discomfort, such as upset stomach, bloating, and gas. In some cases, it may also cause heartburn or worsen acid reflux symptoms. Moderation is key to avoiding these issues while still benefiting from garlic’s health-promoting properties.
Garlic may help reduce creatinine levels by supporting kidney function and promoting overall cardiovascular health. Its antioxidant properties can potentially aid in reducing oxidative stress in the kidneys. However, specific benefits vary among individuals, and it should not replace medical treatment for kidney conditions.
Garlic is believed to have a positive impact on testosterone levels by enhancing antioxidant status and reducing oxidative stress, which may indirectly support testosterone production. However, more research is needed to conclusively establish garlic’s direct influence on testosterone levels in humans.
Garlic has been studied for its potential antibacterial properties, including against H. pylori, the bacteria associated with stomach ulcers. Its active compounds, such as allicin, may inhibit H. pylori growth and contribute to reducing bacterial load in the stomach. However, more research is needed to confirm garlic’s effectiveness as a treatment for H. pylori infection.
There is limited scientific evidence suggesting garlic can directly reduce high prolactin levels. However, its antioxidant properties may support overall hormone balance and contribute to general health benefits, potentially aiding in the regulation of prolactin levels indirectly. Consulting with a healthcare provider for appropriate treatment options is advisable for managing high prolactin levels.
Garlic itself is not acidic; in fact, it has a slightly alkaline pH. However, it can stimulate gastric acid secretion in some individuals, potentially exacerbating acidity or acid reflux symptoms. Monitoring individual tolerance is recommended when consuming garlic, especially for those prone to digestive issues.
Swallowing garlic may not directly help with acne. However, some people believe that the antibacterial properties of garlic, when ingested or applied topically, can potentially combat acne-causing bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also contribute to reducing inflammation associated with acne.
Yes, garlic is believed to have thermogenic properties that can increase body heat slightly when consumed in larger quantities. This effect is attributed to its ability to stimulate circulation and metabolism. However, the increase in body heat is typically mild and varies among individuals.
Garlic offers several health benefits. It has antioxidant properties that protect cells from oxidative damage, supports cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and may have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Regular consumption of garlic as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
Garlic is not recommended for dogs as it can be toxic, especially in large amounts. It contains compounds that can damage red blood cells in dogs, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia. It’s safer to avoid feeding garlic to dogs and consult a veterinarian for appropriate dietary choices.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
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Thanks for sharing this informative post with us.
Thanks for the information!
What could be the effect of garlic on viral d’ses like HEP B &A?
Thank you for these life-saving tips about Garlic. Back to basics.
You are most welcome. Hope you found it useful.
Thanks for the information
You are most welcome. Hope you found it useful.
Thanks for sharing your feedback. We appreciate it and hope you found it useful.
Thank you for sharing this life saving information especially garlic usefulness to the brain.
Keep it up.
You are most welcome. Hope you found it useful.
Thank you so much, for this opportunity to know more
Very well put together the pros and cons of using garlic. Nailing it to a science in all useful ways possible! Thank you so very much!!!!
Thanks for this information on garlic
I was eating raw garlic because of a dental abcess. I was surprised to find that when I was consuming high quantities of raw garlic, my muscle tension also reduced alot. I had less stiffness and muscle pain. My flexibility increased. Old injurues felt better. I have since found articles that confirm that garlic is a muscle relaxant. It is definitely true and I will continue the practice.
Of what importance is galic to viral disease like Hypeetitis B
Thanks so much for the wonderful message,”a raw garlic a life insurance”