Even Spices May Improve Health
By Tom Herrin
Everything is not quite so black and white as it may seem. When people struggle with ways to improve their health and that of their family members, they usually try to find something that is simple to change or add. Since most people don’t really take change well, it may take something subtle to make a difference while not upsetting the proverbial apple cart. For years, people in a lot of different places have used herbs and spices that they believed could provide better health for their families. One of those that may be found in a variety of cultures is garlic. Despite its reputation for unpleasant odor, it is really popular as something used for better health, and it is available in odorless forms.
It May Improve Blood Pressure
According to one study, people who consumed about 1 gram of garlic per day experienced a noticeable improvement in their blood pressure even though they had been taking medication for blood pressure with little success. It seems that the polysulfides in garlic have the ability to increase the flexibility of the blood vessels. This enables them to expand under pressure, which helps to reduce that pressure by allowing a greater amount of blood to flow.
It May Lower Bad Cholesterol
Even though it seems to have no effect on good cholesterol or triglycerides, garlic appears to be able to reduce bad cholesterol by as much as 10 to 15 percent. Many people in a variety of places around the world have used garlic for such purposes with seeming success for years. They are obviously doing so based on what they see as results rather than scientific evidence. Sometimes tradition has a lot of merit.
It Can Add Flavor
We use garlic quite a it in cooking. It can enhance the flavor in so many foods that it is hard to limit its use. We use it for the traditional breads and sauces, but we also use it in things such as tacos, meatloafs, soups, and plenty of other things. If you are interested in the results but are not ready for the odor, you can get it in supplements that odor-free. It is a pretty simple herb to use in cooking and can produce some really good results. Don’t let those bad parts of the reputation discourage you. It is well worth trying.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cedar Park, Tex.
