PhD, Agronomy and Crop Science (ongoing), Master’s degree, Food Science and Technology · 1 years of experience · South Africa
Benefits
- Garlic is effective in enhancing the immune function, it contains allicin which may protect against heart diseases and cancer.
- Garlic helps in stabilizing blood sugar level, it help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and also improves blood sugar management and this might be helpful to people with type 2 diabetes.
Possible Side Effects
- Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease must consult healthcare professionals as consuming garlic might trigger heartburn.
- Individuals taking blood thinners should seek assistance when considering increasing garlic intake because it might interact with the medication.
Perspective from Kiran Dhaliwal
Master’s Degree Nutrition and Dietetics · 3 years of experience · Australia
Benefits
- Garlic contains vitamins and minerals that have medicinal properties. It is a great source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese, Selenium, and other minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron and copper.
- Garlic can help reduce the risk of heart disease and cholesterol levels. Garlic can make platelets less likely to stick together and stick to artery walls. This action reduces the risk of heart attacks as it acts as an anticoagulant.
- There is a sulphurous compound in garlic which can inhibit cancerous cells and block tumours. This action is done by slowing DNA replication and tumour cell proliferation.
- Garlic has been used for a long period of time to fight infections against bacteria and viruses. It has antibacterial properties which is found in the compound allicin.
Possible Side Effects
- Garlic is high in fructans and may cause individuals to experience indigestion, diarrhoea and intestinal gas especially if they are fructan intolerant.
- As garlic has antithrombotic properties, it may prevent blood clots from forming. This may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taking blood thinner or about to undergo a medical procedure.
- When taking garlic avoid taking fish oil or vitamin E. Also avoid using other supplements with garlic as this may affect blood clotting.
- People that have gastroesophageal reflux may want to decrease their garlic intake as garlic may decrease the lower esophageal sphincter tone which is the muscle that prevents acid from entering. This is very dependent on the individual, as it may not cause symptoms in some.
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This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
