Garlic Benefits, Uses and Side Effects

In traditional medicine system, garlic is quite popular as an anti-diabetic. Recent clinical studies on patients suffering from diabetes suggest that garlic is effective in reducing blood sugar levels. The study involved two groups of people where one group was given garlic in the doses ranging from 0.05g to 1.5g for a varied period of days. Marked reduction in fasting blood sugar levels was found in people who took garlic regularly as compared to people who were not given garlic. What better than a food that serves your health and tongue at the same time? In another study, a group of diabetic people with fasting blood sugar levels at 126 mg/dl were tested for the hypoglycemic (blood sugar reducing) effects of garlic capsules along with a capsule of a known diabetes medicine (metformin). Results were noted after 24 days and the group which received garlic and metformin showed marked decrease in blood sugar levels (around 3%) as compared to the group which received only metformin (0.5%). What better than a food that looks after your health and your tastes. It is always advisable to follow moderation while taking any food for its medicinal benefits.

(Read more: Diabetes treatment)

High levels of cholesterol and harmful fats in body have been the major cause of heart-related diseases and atherosclerosis (fat deposition in arteries). This lifestyle and age-related problem are one of the leading causes of diseases and mortality in the world today. Dietary supplements and healthy lifestyle habits remain the best remedy for reducing or alleviating the risk factors in such diseases. Garlic has been in use in Ayurveda for its benefits in managing cholesterol levels in our bodies and keeping the heart healthy. Recent studies conducted on a group of 50 healthy people (both men and women) confirm this claim of Ayurveda. After a period of 90 days, consumption of raw garlic showed a substantial decrease in blood cholesterol levels. It was further suggested that daily intake of garlic reduces the low-density (bad) cholesterol in our bodies while increasing the amount of high-density (good) cholesterol. This balance in body fats then leads to a reduced risk of fat deposition in arteries and a subsequent decrease in possibilities of cardiovascular problems like stroke and heart attack.

Heart diseases are mostly linked to factors like high cholesterol levels in body, free radicals, and development of blood clots in important arteries. As an antioxidant, Hypolipidemic (reduces blood cholesterol) and anti-clotting factors, garlic is anything but a panacea for heart problems. In Ayurveda garlic is known as a tonic for heart. Regular consumption of garlic cloves not only decrease the blood pressure and reduces chances of blood clot and associated conditions like stroke and heart attacks. According to a review article published in The Journal of Nutrition, numerous studies have been done to test the health benefits of garlic. At least 44% of clinical studies indicate that regular consumption of garlic has a potent effect in reducing cholesterol levels in blood and avoiding platelet aggregation in the blood (blood clotting). However, if you are suffering from a heart disease, it is always advisable to check in with your doctor before taking garlic as a health supplement in your diet.

Oral infections are a nuisance for teeth and gum health. According to dentists, most oral problems are caused by an imbalance in good and bad bacteria present in our mouths. Garlic, as an antibacterial is considered a superfood by dentists. It selectively kills the harmful bacteria while letting the good bacteria to survive in mouth thus improving the overall health of gums and teeth. Studies conducted on non-vital (milk teeth, early teeth) in children suggest that treatment of infected gums with garlic extracts significantly reduces the total bacterial count. According to a research published in The Indian Journal of Dental Research, Garlic extracts may be effective in killing infection-causing bacteria like Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Lactobacillus present in the oral cavity. However, in the absence of adult based clinical studies, it is best to ask your dentist to understand the effects of garlic on teeth and gums.

(Read more: Toothache)

Numerous studies have been done to test the effectiveness of garlic as an antimicrobial. Most of these studies conclude that garlic has many potential antimicrobial compounds which are effective against bacterial, fungal and viral infections. According to a study in India, extracts are potent against the antibiotic-resistant strains of E.coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Another research article published in The Journal of Pharmacovigilance confirms the effectiveness of garlic extracts against these two antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It was further stated that allicin, a naturally occurring compound present in garlic is responsible for its antimicrobial properties. Additionally, garlic extracts have also shown potent antimicrobial effects against fungi like Candida albicans and Aspergillus and against some virus. However, human studies need to be conducted to test the effectivity and any potential side effects of garlic extracts as a medicine. So, it’s best to check in with your ayurveda doctor to know more about the antimicrobial properties of garlic.

Obesity and weight issues are a rising global concern. Researchers believe that obesity is caused mainly by an excess of energy uptake in diet. Excess deposition of fat in the liver is just one complication that is associated with overweight people. This fat deposition decreases the efficiency of liver functions. And a decreased liver efficiency would not only affect the digestion process but it also has a detrimental effect on the overall working of the body. Traditionally, eating garlic is known to be very useful for overall body health. Animal-based studies indicate that a natural compound S-allylmercaptocysteine present in garlic is effective against fatty liver. Clinical studies suggest that administration of garlic tablets can help reduce overall body weight and amount of fat present in the body. In another study, administration of garlic to a group of 210 people showed a marked decrease in body weight after a period of 24 days. According to a review article published in the Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Garlic is a potent hypolipidemic (reduced cholesterol) and anti-obesity effects.

(Read more: Weight loss diet chart)

Garlic is widely used in traditional and folk medicine for treating inflammatory problems especially arthritis. Numerous animal studies hint at the usefulness of garlic as an anti-inflammatory agent in arthritis treatments. Lab studies claim that allicin, a natural compound present in garlic is responsible for reducing inflammation in organisms. Due to lack of human studies, it is best to check in with your Ayurvedic doctor before taking garlic as a supplement for inflammatory problems like arthritis.

(Read more: Arthritis treatment)

There is a strong controversy when it comes to the efficiency of garlic in increasing male sexual functions. While some studies claim that administration of garlic is useful in increasing sperm count and testosterone levels in males; there are studies that indicate that garlic is also a potent spermicidal (kills sperms) and has a negative effect on male sexual functions. So, if you want to take garlic as a supplement for a better sexual health it is always advisable to talk to your ayurvedic doctor first.

(Read more: Men's sexual problems and solutions)

Garlic is priced for its antioxidant properties especially when it comes to women health. Menopause is one of the most important concerns for women in the age of 50 and above. According to doctors, menopause doesn’t only mark the end of the reproductive phase in women but it also causes a decrease in oxygen levels in female bodies. Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, irritability, mood swings, vaginal dryness etc are some of the side effects that come with decreased estrogen (natural antioxidant of the body) and oxygen levels in the body. In a study done with 30 postmenopausal women, it was found that administration of garlic reduces the oxidative stress in the body thus helping alleviate some of the symptoms that come with menopause.

Traditional and folk medicine uses garlic for its skin and wound healing benefits. Numerous studies have been done to test the mechanism and efficiency of garlic in improving skin health. Both animal and human studies confirm the skin healing benefits of garlic. In a study, administration of garlic powder increases blood circulation in the skin by 55%. Better circulation means a healthier tissue. Additionally, garlic is a proven antimicrobial.

Garlic is known to be effective against skin conditions like psoriasis, corns, fungal infections and other skin conditions. Topical application of garlic gel, oil, garlic powder and extracts of garlic have been used in most of these studies. Furthermore, antioxidant effects of garlic help keep the oxidative stress (caused by high level of toxic oxygen in the body which may be due to age or lifestyle problems) from hampering body and reduce the premature signs of ageing. Lab studies suggest that garlic extracts increase fibroblasts (skin cells) thus keeping the skin younger. It is always advisable to refer to your ayurveda doctor to know the possible effects of garlic on your skin type.

Garlic, when applied topically, has a lot of potential benefits for hair. First, it is an antioxidant, that means it would help reduce signs of ageing and make your hairs stronger. Secondly, garlic is a known antimicrobial, it’ll kill most of the harmful microbes that are potentially dangerous to your scalp. Finally, studies suggest that garlic is an effective agent against bald spots. So, this one herb can give you shinier, stronger and healthier hair.

In Ayurveda garlic is considered a warm food that means it increases heat in the body. Garlic is a known remedy for cold. Clinical studies hint that garlic may be effective in fighting against cold and cough. But, there is a lot of controversial question against these studies. 

(Read more: Common cold treatment) 

Animal studies suggest that the sulfur compounds in aged garlic may have anti-tumor potential. While the exact mechanism isn’t known yet, it is speculated that garlic exhibits anti-cancer properties due to its antioxidants and tumor growth inhibition function. Due to absence of human studies, it is best to talk to your ayurvedic doctor.

(Read more: Cancer treatment)