4 Reasons to Eat More Garlic

Mmmm…garlic! Who doesn’t love a few fresh minced cloves, sautéed and added to a favorite meal? What you might not know is that garlic has a myriad of health benefits, too. So, why should you eat even more garlic?

1. Low Calorie, Nutrient Dense

For being such a little guy, garlic offers a lot! At just five calories per clove, you can feel free to add garlic to just about anything, without upping your calorie intake. Meanwhile, you’ll be adding a good source of vitamins and nutrients – like manganese and vitamin B6.

2. Sulfur

Usually associated with the tops of matches, sulfur is also important for the body – which is why garlic is such a popular supplement. Sulfur helps with cellular detoxification, metabolism, and the health of your joints and connective tissue. Garlic has a host of sulfur compounds that are hard to find in other foods and can break down and combine to help improve cardiovascular health and increase blood vessel elasticity.

3. Major Heart Health

Garlic offers a myriad of ways to improve the health of your heart and cardiovascular system. The compound allium found in garlic is a major anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. This compound can help to improve blood vessel damage and reduce plaque, while reducing clogs.

Meanwhile, cysteine, glutathione, and selenium are great antioxidants for the body, and along with manganese and vitamin C found in garlic, help the body to regenerate new cells and destroy damaged cells. Together, all these compounds can help to reduce the risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and hardening of the arteries.

4. Cancer Fighter

We all know that foods high in antioxidants are great cancer fighters, but how good is garlic? Studies have shown promising results when it comes to garlic and the upper digestive system. People at risk of cancers to the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus, as well as stomach should consider upping their garlic intake – whether fresh or in powdered or oil form.

Dealing with Garlic Breath

No matter how much you love garlic, those around you might not appreciate the side effects. Having some raw mint, apples or lettuce to eat with your meal can help to break down the components of garlic that cause bad breath. Some other solutions include drinking green tea, chewing parsley, or adding lemon to your water.

So, get your garlic on! Chopped, slice minced, event roasted whole – add it to savory meals and enjoy.