How Putting a Piece of Garlic in Your Mouth Can Benefit Your Health

Garlic, a close relative of onions, leeks, and shallots, has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Known for its strong odor and flavor, garlic is packed with antioxidants and anti inflammatory compounds that have many health benefits. In this article, we will explore the potential benefits of putting a piece of garlic in your mouth for half an hour.

The Nutritional Benefits of garlic

Garlic is a low-calorie, nutrient dense food. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains small amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, and vitamin B1. However, what makes garlic so special are its sulfur compounds, including allicin, which gives garlic its pungent smell. These compounds have been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

The Power of Garlic as a Natural Antibiotic

Garlic has been used as a natural antibiotic for centuries. Its active compounds have been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. In fact, studies have found that garlic can be effective against a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic resistant strains.

When you chew garlic, the active compounds are released, and they can kill harmful bacteria in your mouth and throat. Some people believe that putting a piece of garlic in your mouth for half an hour can help fight off infections and improve your overall oral health.

Garlic and Heart Health

Garlic has long been touted as a heart healthy food. It has been shown to have cholesterol lowering effects, reduce blood pressure, and improve blood flow. In fact, some studies have found that garlic can be as effective as medication for some people with high blood pressure.

One study found that taking a garlic supplement for four years reduced the risk of heart disease by 18%. Another study found that consuming garlic daily reduced the risk of a heart attack by 50% in people with high cholesterol levels.

Garlic and Cancer Prevention

Garlic may also have anti cancer properties. Studies have found that the active compounds in garlic can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce cancer cell death. In particular, garlic has been shown to be effective against colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

One study found that people who ate raw or cooked garlic at least twice a week had a significantly lower risk of developing lung cancer. Another study found that women who ate high amounts of garlic had a 35% lower risk of developing colon cancer.

Garlic and Immune System Support

Garlic has also been shown to support the immune system. Its active compounds have been shown to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infections and diseases.

One study found that people who took a garlic supplement for 12 weeks had a lower incidence of the common cold and a shorter duration of symptoms when they did get sick. Another study found that garlic can stimulate the production of natural killer cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the immune system’s defense against cancer.

Precautions and Side Effects

While garlic is generally considered safe for most people, it can cause side effects in some individuals. The most common side effect is bad breath, which can be alleviated by chewing on parsley or mint leaves. Garlic can also cause stomach upset, bloating, and diarrhea in some people.

Additionally, garlic can interact with certain medications, including blood-thinning medications like warfarin. If you are taking medication, it is important to talk to your doctor before adding garlic supplements to your diet.

How to Use Piece of Garlic

If you want to try putting a piece of garlic in your mouth for half an hour, here’s how to do it:

1. Peel a clove of garlic and cut it into small pieces.
2. Place the garlic in your mouth, making sure to chew it well and move it around your mouth for about 30 minutes.
3. Spit out the garlic when you’re done.

You can do this once a day or as often as you like. Some people prefer to swallow the garlic, while others prefer to spit it out. It’s important to note that while garlic has many health benefits, it is not a replacement for medical treatment. If you have a medical condition or are taking medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor before adding garlic to your diet.

Other Ways to Enjoy Garlic

If you’re not a fan of chewing on raw garlic, there are many other ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient. Here are some ideas:

1. Roast it: Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and brings out its natural sweetness. Simply cut the top off a head of garlic, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven until soft and caramelized.

2. Add it to soups and stews: Garlic adds flavor and depth to soups and stews. Simply sauté some minced garlic in olive oil before adding your other ingredients.

3. Make garlic butter: Mix minced garlic with softened butter and spread it on bread or use it to sauté vegetables.

4. Make garlic-infused oil: Heat olive oil and garlic in a saucepan until fragrant, then strain out the garlic and use the oil for cooking or as a salad dressing.

5. Use it in marinades: Garlic adds flavor to marinades for meat, fish, and vegetables.

Garlic is a powerful ingredient that has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Putting a piece of garlic in your mouth for half an hour is a simple and natural way to potentially improve your oral health and support your immune system.

However, it’s important to remember that garlic is not a replacement for medical treatment, and if you have a medical condition or are taking medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor before adding garlic to your diet.

Originally posted 2019-12-05 21:31:47.