National Garlic Day 2021: 12 Surprising Health Benefits You Need To Know

National Garlic Day was made to acknowledge not only the flavor the vegetable brings to meals, but also the health benefits it provides.

Garlic has historically been known for its medicinal and antimicrobial properties. This is why it is important to read up on all of its good benefits, especially on Nationl Garlic Day, which is celebrated on the 19th of April. Here are 12 benefits of garlic you probably might have not known yet.

Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels and Lowers the Risk of Heart Disease

Studies have revealed that garlic can significantly lower total and LDL cholesterol. LDL is considered the "bad" cholesterol and is associated with an increased risk of heart disease. By incorporating garlic into one's diet, the level of LDL cholesterol can be lowered.

Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

According to Healthline, garlic contains antioxidants that support the body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative damage -- the effect brought about by oxidative stress or an excess of free radicals in the body. With the combined effects of decreasing blood pressure and cholesterol, garlic may reduce the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Garlic Can Lower Cancer Risk

High consumption of garlic has been linked to a decreased risk of stomach and colon cancer, AAFP reported.

Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold

Long before it was incorporated into the diet of people today, garlic has been known to have medicinal properties, such as boosting the immune system. In one study, garlic was found to have reduced the number of colds by 63% compared to a placebo.

Garlic is Highly Nutritious but has Very Few Calories

For those who wish to stay healthy while keeping slim, garlic is a good option. Although very low in calories, garlic is still packed with nutrients and is said to contain just a little bit of every nutrient an individual may need.

Garlic May Improve Bone Health

A number of studies found that garlic can minimize bone loss by increasing estrogen in female rodents, according to Healthline. Additionally, one study found that a daily dose of dry garlic extract significantly decreased a marker of estrogen deficiency in women, suggesting that the supplement helps improve overall bone health.

Garlic Contains Compounds With Potent Medicinal Properties

Scientists have found that garlic contains sulfur compounds that are beneficial to the body. The sulfur compounds, once ingested, travel through the digestive tract and all over the body where it exerts its potent biological effects.

Garlic has Antimicrobial Effects

Garlic has been found to produce antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It has also been used traditionally to treat infections such as diarrhea, warts and even vaginitis.

The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure

Research has found that garlic is capable of significantly reducing blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. Findings also suggested that to get the desired results, about four cloves of garlic per day would be needed.

Garlic May Help You Live Longer

Because garlic is packed with properties that fight off the common cold and can reduce the risks of developing other diseases, it can be assumed that the food is effective in making a person live longer, as per researchers.

Garlic Can Help Improve Athletic Performance

Garlic is believed to be one of the earliest "performance enhancing" substances and has been used historically as a supplement to reduce fatigue and enhance the work capacity of laborers.