The Health Benefits of Garlic: The Natural Cure for Colds and Flu

Garlic is a herbal wonder drug that is often referred to as natures antibiotic. The health benefits of garlic have been recognized by civilizations across the world for centuries and used in the treatment of everything from colds and flu to more serious health conditions.

Unless you're a vampire, in which case you have much bigger problems, read on to find out the amazing health benefits of garlic on the human body and how you can use garlic every day to improve your health and prevent common ailments such as colds and flu.
An excessive amount of raw garlic in the diet can cause digestive problems so please use raw garlic in moderation. If you suffer from digestive illnesses such as Irritable Bowel Syndrom (IBS) or Gastoesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), you can opt for garlic supplements such as garlic pills or capsules, garlic oil or even garlic powder.

Health Giving Properties of Garlic

Allicin is a natural compound produced by garlic and contains antibacterial and antifungal properties.This medicinal compound is attributed as the main source of garlic's health giving properties and is only produced when garlic is chopped or crushed. It's potency is degraded or destroyed by cooking at high temperatures and microwaving so to obtain the full benefit of allicin, garlic must be consumed in its raw state. As such, it is preferable to add a little bit of crushed garlic to food instead of cooking the garlic with the other ingredients.

Colds and Flu - Garlic can be used in the treatment of colds and flu thanks to its antibacterial properties which make it a natural broad spectrum antibiotic. Aside from fighting bacterial infections and speeding up recovery time, garlic can also be used for relief from fever. In contrast to medicinal antibiotics, bacteria does not develop a resistance to garlic over time.Garlic has also been found to boost immune function, yet another added benefit in recovering from colds and flu.

Cancer - Numerous scientific studies show that garlic can reduce the formation of cancerous cells and block cancer causing compounds from forming in the first place. It is especially effective in blocking breast cancer, prostate cancer, throat cancer, bladder cancer and stomach cancer, thanks to the compounds diallye disulphide and s-allycystein, which are also formed when raw garlic is chopped or crushed.

Infections - garlic not only has antibacterial properties but has been shown to contain anti-viral and anti-fungal properties as well. As such it can be used in the treatment of internal parasites, yeast infections and candida, alsongside regular medication of course.

Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) - Garlic is a natural blood thinner that reduces blood pressure, stimulates circulation and prevents blood clots from forming.Good news for people with cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

LDL, the bad cholesterol, can be prevented by garlic thanks to the compound allicin which scavenges hydroxyl radicals and prevents the build-up of this cholesterol on our arterial walls.

Garlic should be consumed raw to obtain the most benefit from its naturally occurring compounds.
Add chopped or crushed raw garlic to food instead of cooking the garlic.
Consume 1-2 cloves of garlic per day to boost your immune system and prevent illness.
If you have a digestive illness or sensitive stomach, use garlic pills or capsules, garlic oil or garlic powder instead.

Always consult your doctor before embarking on any new form of treatment. The above information is not intended to be medical advice. Never discontinue medication or treatment that has been prescribed by your doctor or healthcare giver. If an allergy occurs, discontinue use at once and seek medical advice.