Garlic benefits people of all ages and background. Behind its overpowering smell are loads of medicinal properties that help in the prevention and treatment of various illnesses. The health benefits of garlic are of great value especially for men.
Garlic has antibiotic and antioxidant properties, making it an excellent and natural solution for various health conditions. It also has aphrodisiac qualities to boost sexual appetite and antiseptic properties to prevent infections. It can be eaten raw or added to dishes to make them more savory.
History of Garlic
Garlic had its roots in Central Asia over 6,000 years ago. It has been a staple in Mediterranean, African, Asian and European cuisines. Furthermore, its curative properties have been known for 3,000 years. In fact, Louise Pasteur made use of garlic’s anti-bacterial properties which lead to the discovery of penicillin in 1858. Garlic was used in treating various ailments like typhus, cholera and tuberculosis. It was even employed as a currency, and more popularly, as a vampire-repellant in ancient folklore.
Health Benefits of Garlic for men
There a plenty of garlic benefits especially for men, which include:
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Keeping the heart healthy
Cardiovascular diseases affect more men than women and garlic helps in preventing heart attack and stroke. It works by lowering the level of bad cholesterol in the blood to improve blood circulation as well as reduce blood pressure. Garlic also works in protecting the aorta against aging.
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Cancer prevention
Garlic helps in thwarting certain forms of cancers that affect most men, like prostate cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer and throat cancer.
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Treatment for Impotence
Garlic is the natural solution for impotence by improving the blood flow and stimulating the production of nitric oxide synthase enzyme for erection.
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Enhanced immunity
A strengthened immune system is what men will achieve by taking garlic daily as it reduces the severity of respiratory infections and aids in treating other illnesses like whooping cough, HIV, pneumonia and ear infections. It also has anti-fungal properties which help in treating jock itch, ring worm and athlete’s foot.
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Cure for toothache
Garlic has been known to help relieve toothache. The affected tooth can be rubbed with garlic oil or placed with a crushed clove of garlic.
Side Effects of Garlic Consumption
Garlic benefits are only achievable when taken in adequate amounts. Large doses of garlic can irritate the digestive system and give rise to indigestion or heartburn, gas, body odor, irritated mouth, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Allergic reactions may also occur which are marked by wheezing, unexplained rashes and swelling, itching, breathing difficulties and hives. Too much garlic increases the risk of unusual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding and even hemorrhagic stroke. Garlic may also interact with other medicines, so it is important to seek medical advice before utilizing it for medicinal purposes.
Nutritional Information of Garlic
Garlic is loaded with nutrients such as amino and fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, sodium, carbohydrate and fiber. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, thiamin, copper, calcium, selenium and phosphorus.
The following can be had from an ounce of garlic.
- Calories – 42
- Total carbohydrate – 9.37g
- Total fat – 0.14g
- Sodium – 5mg
- Potassium – 114mg
- Protein – 1.8g
- Dietary fiber – 0.6g
- Cholesterol – 0mg
