Garlic: Meaning, Benefits and Side-Effects

Garlic is a herb native to Asia and can be discovered across the globe for consumption. It comprises fresh and dried bulbs divided into various fleshy parts known as cloves. Garlic is also called Allium sativum, Ail, Ajo, Lasun, Lasuna or Nectar of the Gods. Its shape is like an onion. Garlic comes in different kinds, such as minced Garlic and garlic powder. It has been used for centuries as one of the healthy ingredients for the human body. Garlic has two types, namely hard neck and soft neck varieties. Hardneck requires winter exposure when it comes to sowing. Its central stalks are firm and woody. The bulb development takes 6-12 weeks during the winter months with 40-50°F temperatures, whereas softneck has a storage period of 8-12 weeks in a warm climate. It is commonly available in grocery stores. In India, people intake and embrace Garlic as one of the Ayurvedic remedies to resolve health-related issues. It is popular because it contains medicinal properties. In Ayurveda, Garlic is known as Rasona. It is recommended that one brush their teeth to fade the lousy breath after taking raw Garlic. It is mainly consumed early in the day. Also, the garlic juice could be helpful for the stomach when taken without eating anything, preferably after one wakes up in the morning. Following are the benefits of Garlic:

Helps in treating cold and flu: Garlic has antiviral and antimicrobial properties that provide relief to the body, although clinical trials don't demonstrate the cure for the common cold. It is important to note that a 2001 study in Advances in Therapy suggested that intaking garlic supplements could help a person recover swifter if infected.
Lowers Cholesterol: Garlic is certainly not an alternative option to cholesterol medicine. However, it is suggested that it has phytosterols properties that help reduce LDL cholesterol.
Improves sexual health: Ayurveda states that consuming alcohol besides milk helps a body, including the Vajikarana (aphrodisiac) element. It is an aphrodisiac in nature and boosts the body's performance.
Reduces the risk of prostate cancer risk: Doctors in China conducted a study and published their revelations in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention. It said, "Allium vegetables, especially garlic intake, are related to a decreased risk of prostate cancer."
Lowers Urinary Tract and Kidney Infections: Garlic has properties that provide alleviation against bacteria and help in cleaning toxins from the body. It could also stave off infections of the urinary tract and kidneys.

Side-effects of Garlic: It could cause breath and body odour, including stomach ache, bloating, headache and dizziness. Its allergic reactions consist of conjunctivitis or contact dermatitis. It could result in a person vomiting and burns. In addition, it is recommended to wear hand gloves while dividing Garlic into pieces, as the enzyme in it could lead to rashes and itchiness.

Garlic: Meaning, Benefits and Side-Effects

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