The bad odour that comes from garlic is a big reason why several people keep it out of their diets. The smell tends to seep into your mouth and might require a round or two of brushing and mouthwash to get rid of.
While these tiny cloves may come with a smell that can linger for hours, they also come with several noteworthy benefits which will go a long way in keeping you healthy. So, forget the pungent odour and focus on the benefits!
Garlic is known to be a good source of magnesium, selenium, calcium, Vitamin C and Vitamin B6. The presence of all these vital vitamins and minerals makes it beneficial for your health.
Garlic has anti-bacterial properties:
Apart from vitamins and minerals, garlic contains allicin, a sulphur-containing compound. This gives it a strong and pungent aroma but also makes it a fantastic antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial agent.
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties:
As per an article by the Cleveland Clinic, garlic oil has anti-inflammatory properties. All you need to do is gently rub it over your sore and inflamed joints or muscles to reap the benefits.
Garlic is good for the heart:
As highlighted in a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, US (NCBI) there is literature that suggests that garlic consumption can help attain positive cardiovascular effects. Garlic can help lower blood pressure and reduce serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
Garlic helps get rid of pimples:
Yes, you have heard it right! As per the Cleveland Clinic, rubbing raw garlic over pimples can potentially help get rid of them. However, we do recommend consulting with a dermatologist before trying this remedy.
Knowing all these benefits might make you want to gulp down an entire bulb of garlic, but be wary as an excess of anything is not great. According to a study in the American Family Physician Journal, consuming garlic in excess can lead to flatulence and gastrointestinal issues. It is recommended that you take no more than 1-2 cloves of raw garlic and 7.2 grams of aged garlic extract per day.