5 Reasons to Eat Garlic

Garlic is more than a culinary mainstay that can add flavor to meals; it is a natural, traditional medicine that has antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Regular consumption of garlic has been linked with:

1. Improving overall cholesterol levels
2. Lowering blood pressure and decreasing clot formation, thus reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack
3. Combating respiratory infections
4. Minimizing symptoms of common colds, including sore throats
5. Reducing fungal or yeast infections

Eating raw garlic (chopped or mashed) releases the herb's full potential as the active component, allicin, forms only on contact with air. Garlic loses its antibiotic properties when you cook or dry it, and commercial garlic capsules do not preserve the full activity of the fresh bulb.

You can make raw garlic more palatable by chopping it fine, mixing it with food, and eating it with a meal, or cut a clove into chunks and swallow them whole like pills.

Enjoy garlic's medicinal benefits in this dish that incorporates another one of my favorite foods: broccoli. Spicy Garlic Broccoli with Pine Nuts.

Comments

[Anonymous]

I read your article about biomeridian stress testing and I am dissappointed in your view regarding this type of data as a useful tool in health assessment. The EEG and EKG and the Transcan 2000 utilize the same type of electronic tissue measurement to determine premorbid conditions. Clinical examination is another tool that may be considered "subjective" and yet can offer the clinician useful information. Having had patients with follow-up laboratory testing over a four year period of doing this type of electrodermal testing has confirmed merit. The doctor is always the one who must evaluate findings and determine how to utlize data whether it is laboratory testing or clinical examination or electrodermal testing. I would hope that you learn more about this fascinating field that is utilized by some very well educated medical physicians. Thank you for your consideration of these views.

[Suzy Staywell]

My kids recently visited Turkey and brought home this recipe that includes fresh garlic and cucumbers--two nutritious and delicious foods! Cacik Recipe

[moderator44@drweil.com]

Thank you anonymous.

[Eric B]

While I certainly agree that garlic is delicious and health enhancing, recent research doesn't find any effects on cholesterol levels.

[Davidqo]

You didn't include that it also keeps vampires away.