11 Best Benefits Of Allium Sativum
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a plant species that belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family.
The bioactive compounds responsible for its health benefits include allicin, which is a sulfur-containing compound that has been shown to possess potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.
Consuming garlic has been found to reduce inflammation in the body, boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, and fight cancer cells due to its ability to induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
The regular consumption of garlic has been associated with a reduced risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and certain types of cancer.
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According to Research communications in chemical pathology and pharmacology, Allium sativum has been found to have antioxidant activity and its active ingredient alliin can scavenge hydroxyl radicals, indicating its potential in mitigating oxidative stress and related health issues.
This page lists the most important health benefits of Allium sativum.
Table of Contents
1. Reduces inflammation
Allium sativum reduces inflammation, which is a natural response to tissue damage characterized by the production of chemical mediators that cause redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
This benefit is crucial as chronic inflammation is associated with various health conditions, such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and cancer, and can lead to conditions like diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Allium sativum are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including sulfur compounds like allicin and quercetin, which have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness this benefit, Allium sativum can be consumed as a dietary supplement, such as garlic capsules or tablets, or used as a cooking ingredient in the form of crushed garlic or garlic oil, which can be added to meals to promote its anti-inflammatory effects.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Oil
- Infused vinegar
- Capsules
- Salve
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces inflammation.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Arthritis, rheumatism, gout |
| Diallyl disulfide | Inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, psoriasis |
| S-allyl mercaptocyanide | Multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia |
2. Boosts immune system
Allium sativum boosts immune system by enhancing the body's natural defense mechanisms, allowing it to fight off infections and diseases more effectively.
This benefit is crucial as it can help prevent illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and other bacterial or viral infections, which can be especially severe for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as the elderly and young children.
The immune-boosting properties of Allium sativum can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including allicin, quercetin, and sulfur compounds, which have potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the immune-boosting benefits of Allium sativum, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations, such as tea, capsules, or oil, which can be easily incorporated into one's diet and lifestyle.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Syrup
- Capsules
- Tea
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Boosts immune system.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Cold, flu, tonsillitis |
| Diallyl disulfide | Sinus infection, pneumonia, ear infection |
| S-allyl mercaptocysteine | Bronchitis, urinary tract infection, skin infection |
3. Fights cancer cells
Allium sativum fights cancer cells by exhibiting anti-cancer properties, which involve the inhibition of cancer cell growth and induction of apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancerous cells.
This benefit is crucial because cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and any natural remedy that can potentially reduce its mortality rate is vital, as exemplified by the impact of cancer on patients' quality of life and the high costs of conventional cancer treatments.
The anti-cancer properties of Allium sativum can be attributed to its rich content of bioactive constituents, including organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, and saponins, which have been identified as the primary contributors to its anti-cancer effects.
To harness the anti-cancer properties of Allium sativum, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations, such as garlic extracts or supplements, which can be easily incorporated into one's diet and provide a concentrated dose of its bioactive constituents.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Oil
- Capsules
- Tea
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights cancer cells.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer |
| Diallyl disulfide | Colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer |
| S-allylcysteine sulfoxide | Leukemia, lymphoma, ovarian cancer |
4. Improves heart health
Allium sativum improves heart health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which can lead to conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure.
This benefit is crucial because cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, and improving heart health can significantly reduce the risk of mortality and morbidity, particularly in high-risk populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
The heart-healthy properties of Allium sativum are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, saponins, and organosulfur compounds, which have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory effects.
To reap the cardiovascular benefits of Allium sativum, it is best consumed as a herbal preparation, such as raw garlic or garlic oil, which can be added to meals or taken as a supplement in moderation.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Capsules
- Infused oil
- Tea
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves heart health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | High blood pressure, atherosclerosis, cardiac arrhythmia |
| Diallyl disulfide | Hyperlipidemia, cardiac failure, thrombosis |
| S-allyl cysteine | Coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction, cardiovascular disease |
| Quercetin | Cardiac arrhythmia, cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis |
5. Fights bacterial infections
Allium sativum fights bacterial infections, which refers to the plant's antimicrobial property that inhibits the growth of bacteria.
This benefit is crucial as bacterial infections can lead to severe health issues such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and foodborne illnesses.
Allium sativum has this property due to its rich content of bioactive constituents like allicin, quercetin, and kaempferol, which have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial and antibacterial activities.
To harness the antimicrobial benefits of Allium sativum, it is best to consume it in the form of herbal preparations like garlic oil or supplements, or add fresh garlic to meals, especially in cases of suspected bacterial infections.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Extract capsules
- Oil
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Fights bacterial infections.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bronchitis |
| Diallyl trisulfide | Gastroenteritis, meningitis, osteomyelitis |
| S-allyl mercaptocarnitine | E. coli infections, salmonella infections, campylobacter infections |
6. Improves gut health
Allium sativum improves gut health by enhancing the balance of gut microbiota, which refers to the beneficial bacteria that reside in the gastrointestinal tract and play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, and overall well-being.
This benefit is important because an imbalance of gut microbiota, also known as dysbiosis, has been linked to various health issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and even mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Allium sativum's bioactive constituents, including allyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and S-allylcysteine, possess prebiotic properties that stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and reduce the population of pathogenic bacteria.
To harness the gut-healing properties of Allium sativum, it is best to use it in the form of a probiotic supplement, or consume it as a herbal tea or capsule, where the bioactive constituents can be easily absorbed by the body.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Infused oil
- Capsules
- Tea
- Syrup
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves gut health.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcerative colitis |
| S-allylcysteine sulfoxide | Inflammatory bowel disease, small intestine bacterial overgrowth, diverticulitis |
| Quercetin | Gastroenteritis, peptic ulcer, gastrointestinal dysbiosis |
| Kaempferol | Gastritis, colitis, functional dyspepsia |
| Isorhapontigenin | Leaky gut syndrome, gastrointestinal motility disorder, ileus |
7. Lowers cholesterol levels
Allium sativum lowers cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol in the blood, while also increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol levels.
This benefit is important because high cholesterol levels can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes, which are leading causes of death worldwide.
The bioactive constituents in Allium sativum, including quercetin, kaempferol, and isothiocyanates, are responsible for its cholesterol-lowering properties, as they have been shown to inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in cholesterol production and absorption.
To experience the cholesterol-lowering benefits of Allium sativum, it is best to use it in herbal preparations such as garlic oil or supplements, which can be taken orally to support heart health.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Capsule extract
- Oil
- Infused vinegar
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Lowers cholesterol levels.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Hyperlipidemia, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease |
| Diallyl disulfide | Hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, thrombosis |
| S-allylcysteine sulfoxide | Hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction |
8. Reduces blood pressure
Allium sativum reduces blood pressure by lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels in the body, which is a condition characterized by the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries.
This benefit is crucial as high blood pressure can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease, which can result in hospitalization and even death.
Allium sativum achieves this benefit due to the presence of bioactive constituents such as quercetin, kaempferol, and isorhapontigenin, which have been found to have antioxidant and vasodilatory properties that help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.
To harness the blood-pressure-lowering effects of Allium sativum, it can be consumed as a supplement in the form of garlic capsules or tea, or added to meals as a fresh or dried ingredient.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Garlic oil
- Garlic extract capsules
- Tea
- Garlic oil capsules
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Reduces blood pressure.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke |
| Quercetin | Cardiac arrhythmia, heart failure, hypertensive crisis |
| S-allylcysteine | Elevated blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, cardiac hypertrophy |
9. Kills viruses
Allium sativum kills viruses by exerting antiviral activity, which is the ability to inhibit or destroy viruses.
This benefit is crucial as viruses are responsible for numerous diseases, such as influenza, HIV, and herpes, which can lead to severe health complications and even death.
The antiviral properties of Allium sativum are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including allicin, quercetin, and kaempferol, which have been shown to have potent antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects.
To harness the antiviral benefits of Allium sativum, it can be consumed as a tea, taken as a supplement, or used in herbal preparations such as garlic oil, which can be applied topically to soothe viral infections or used internally to boost the immune system.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Oil
- Infused vinegar
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Kills viruses.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Herpes, influenza, hiv-1 |
| Diallyl disulfide | Measles, ebola, hantavirus |
| Quercetin | Herpes, hepatitis b, rhinovirus |
10. Improves cognitive function
Allium sativum improves cognitive function by enhancing mental clarity, memory, and concentration, allowing individuals to think more efficiently and effectively.
This benefit is crucial as it can help individuals perform daily tasks with greater ease, improve their academic and professional performance, and even mitigate the effects of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia.
The bioactive constituents of Allium sativum, including quercetin, kaempferol, and isothiocyanates, are responsible for its cognitive-enhancing properties, which are thought to be mediated by their ability to modulate neurotransmitter activity and reduce oxidative stress.
To reap the cognitive benefits of Allium sativum, individuals can consume it in the form of garlic supplements, capsules, or teas, or use it as a flavoring agent in cooking, but it is essential to follow proper dosing guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Oil
- Capsules
- Tea
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Improves cognitive function.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Alzheimer's disease, dementia, stroke |
| Quercetin | Anxiety, depression, migraines |
| S-allylcysteine | Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases |
11. Relieves anxiety
Allium sativum relieves anxiety by reducing feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear, allowing individuals to feel calm and centered.
This benefit is important as excessive anxiety can lead to sleep disturbances, decreased productivity, and impaired relationships, making it essential for maintaining overall well-being and quality of life.
The plant's anxiolytic properties are attributed to its bioactive constituents, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and sulfur compounds, which interact with neurotransmitters to produce a calming effect.
To harness the anxiolytic benefits of Allium sativum, consider using it in the form of herbal teas, capsules, or tinctures, which can be easily incorporated into daily routines to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Top Preparations:
- Tincture
- Essential oil
- Tea
- Infused oil
- Extract
The following table displays the major constituents of Allium sativum and examples of ailments they help cure that are related to Relieves anxiety.
| Constituents | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Allicin | Anxiety disorder, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder |
| S-allylcysteine | Generalized anxiety, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder |
| Diallyl disulfide | Anxiety-related insomnia, anxiety-induced migraines, anxiety-related gastrointestinal issues |
| Quercetin | Anxiety-related inflammation, anxiety-induced cardiovascular issues, anxiety-related respiratory issues |