by admin · August 31, 2016
Recently there have been a number of studies which indicate that garlic’s active compound, allicin, can lower your blood pressure just like ACE inhibitors, using the same mechanisms. Furthermore, the studies indicate that garlic prevents the creation of the hormone angiotensin II, and helps relax blood vessels. If that wasn’t enough, garlic can also help you lower the LDL cholesterol levels. All of these properties, in combination with its great flavor, make garlic one of the most health beneficial vegetables known to man. It’s also easily combinable with almost every dish, delicious, nutritional and healthy – the perfect combination.
In addition to lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, garlic is the best natural remedy for the immune system. A recent study shows that regular consumption of garlic can reduce the risk of catching flu or the common cold by 63%. It can help you in the treatment of Staph infections as well as ear infections.
On the other side, if you consume it raw it can cause bad breath, heartburn, gas, nausea, body odor and a lingering pungent taste in the mouth. Not everyone experience this, some digest it better than other, it depends on your metabolism. Still, there are some individuals that shouldn’t consume garlic because it can have a detrimental effect on their health and if you’re among them you should lower its consumption or eliminate it from your diet entirely.
If you belong to any of the groups below you shouldn’t consume garlic:
- Garlic is a natural anticoagulant, which means that it’s excellent for treating circulation problems because it makes the blood more fluid, thus preventing clots which may lead to heart attacks, thrombosis and stroke. However, if you use anticoagulant drugs you shouldn’t consume it because it can lead to excessive bleeding.
- If you’re under treatment with prescription drugs you shouldn’t consume garlic without previous consultation with your doctor, it may undermine its effects.
- If you have liver problems – garlic may decrease the liver’s breakdown of some medications or even decrease the effectiveness of the medications taken for liver issues. As a matter of fact, the majority of medications, especially birth control ones, can have adverse interactions with garlic in any form.
- If you have digestive difficulties –if you have an easily irritable GI tract, garlic can cause further problems, so it’s best to steer clear of it. Garlic may also cause some gastrointestinal counter indications when taken with stomach medications.
- If you’re pregnant– doctors advise against garlic during pregnancy and breastfeeding periods. If taken in moderation it shouldn’t be a problem, but taking it as medication is not recommended.
- If you have a normal blood pressure, slightly going to the lower border, garlic can further lower it and cause health complications. Consume it only in moderation and from time to time.
Source : www.healthylifestyleadvice.com
