Pass the Garlic for Better Health
By Tom Herrin
Everyone seasons food differently. Some of it is simply personal preference. Some of it is a variety of other things. For years, many people have sworn by all kinds of things that they added to food to make some little difference. One of those that has always been pretty popular for its supposed abilities to do something good for health is garlic. It is something that has been used in a lot of different cultures. Some of the benefits of it have been well demonstrated in studies or overall surveys of health.
It May Help Control Blood Pressure
In one study, people who supplemented their diets with one gram of garlic each day experienced a significant reduction in blood pressure after having no success with some other forms of treatment. Apparently the polysulfides in garlic help the blood vessels to be more flexible and expand more easily under stress. This can be a good way to keep overall blood pressure in check.
It May Boost Immunity
People all over use garlic to help maintain their immunity. It contains the compound allicin, which seems to have the ability to kill some kinds of bacteria as well as work as an antifungal and antiviral agent against other possible disease-causing agents. There may really be something to the disease-fighting benefits of garlic other than the ability to keep things away due the odor. It is also believed to help with health problems that are caused by other things. It has shown promise in reducing bad cholesterol by as much as 10 to 15 percent. Even though it seems to have no effect on good cholesterol or triglycerides, that is still a measurable amount.
It Can Enhance Flavor
Speaking of the odor problem in garlic, you don’t have to be afraid of that either. Garlic is available in virtually odorless forms. It still has pretty much the same benefits. We enjoy using garlic with a lot of our cooking. Whether it is seasoning taco meat, meatloaf, spaghetti, breads, eggs, or plenty of other things, it can help add the right seasonings to an otherwise bland meal. If any of these things are concerns for you, pick up some garlic and begin adding it liberally to your foods. Make note of your overall health and expect to see some kind of progress.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Valley City, Utah.