National Garlic Day
National Garlic Day is celebrated each year on April 19. Not only is garlic a delicious vegetable to inject flavor to any meal, but it is also packed with amazing health benefits. Throughout history, garlic has been used for its health and medicinal properties, even being documented by ancient civilizations including Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Chinese (1). Scientists have confirmed that garlic has many antibiotic properties and many health benefits.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Strengthens immune system
Garlic offers immune support and has been known to help fight off illnesses and infections. One study gave adults ages 21-55 either garlic extract or a placebo for 90 days. The group that received the garlic saw a reduction in cold and flu symptoms and took fewer sick days compared to the group that received the placebo (2).Works as an anti-inflammatory
Research has shown that garlic can have some great anti-inflammatory properties. The Arthritis Foundation recommends using garlic to help inflammation and prevent cartilage damage from arthritis (3).
Wards off cancer
Garlic intake and its relationship to cancer prevention has been studied over the past couple of decades. In one study, people who ate raw garlic at least twice a week had a 44% lower risk of developing lung cancer than those who did not, according to the Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention in China. Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina reported that three pure organo-sulfur compounds found in garlic (DAS, DADS, and DATS) help eradicate brain cancer cells (4).Reduce blood pressure and risk of heart disease
Garlic has been used as a natural remedy to lower blood pressure. Allicin, one of the main active compounds in garlic, is thought to be responsible for these heart healthy properties. Is one study they found that garlic may help reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels up to 11.2 mmHg. Some researchers even suggest that garlic can be as effective as standard blood pressure-lowering medication with fewer side effects (5).
Sources:
Rivlin, R S. “Historical perspective on the use of garlic.” The Journal of nutrition vol. 131,3s (2001): 951S-4S. doi:10.1093/jn/131.3.951S
Sass, Cynthia. “7 Health Benefits of Garlic, According to a Nutritionist.” Health, Health, 25 Feb. 2020, https://www.health.com/food/garlic-health-benefits.
“Best Spices for Arthritis: Arthritis Foundation.” Best Spices for Arthritis | Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Foundation, https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/best-spices-for-arthritis#:~:text=Garlic%20is%20a%20tasty%20addition%20to%20just%20about,may%20even%20help%20prevent%20cartilage%20damage%20from%20arthritis.
Newman, Tim. “Garlic: Proven Health Benefits and Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Aug. 2017, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265853#benefits.
Petre, Alina. “Garlic for Blood Pressure: Beneficial or Bogus?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 8 Dec. 2020, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/garlic-for-blood-pressure#how-it-works.