Why is garlic good for brain, heart and liver health?

Garlic is not only a familiar spice but also a natural medicine with many health benefits.

Regular consumption of garlic may benefit brain, heart, and liver health, and may help regulate inflammation and support immune function, according to the health site Health .

Jillian Kubala, a nutritionist working in the US, shared some health benefits of garlic.

Rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds

Garlic has long been known for its many health benefits, especially its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Chronic inflammation is linked to many dangerous diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

Regularly eating garlic may benefit brain, heart and liver health

Garlic contains organo-sulfur compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. The composition and amount of these compounds vary depending on how the garlic is prepared.

For example, fresh garlic is rich in alliin and γ-glutamyl cysteine, while garlic powder contains diallyl disulfide (DADS) and alliin. Crushed garlic is rich in dithine, ajoene, and sulfide compounds.

Studies have shown that eating garlic helps reduce markers of inflammation in the body, contributing to good health.

Helps increase awareness

Regular consumption of garlic helps improve memory and slow down cognitive decline in the elderly.

A 2019 study of 27,000 elderly Chinese people also found that those who ate garlic five times a week or more had less cognitive decline and lived longer.

The secret lies in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in garlic, which help protect nerve cells from damage.

Reduce the risk of heart disease

One of the main causes of heart disease is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries. Eating garlic may help reduce this risk.

A 2021 study of more than 4,000 Chinese people found that people who ate raw garlic one to three times a week had a significantly reduced risk of carotid intima-media thickening, an early sign of atherosclerosis. Specifically, the risk was reduced by 26% to 29% compared to people who ate garlic less than once a week.

Eating garlic may reduce the risk of heart disease

Supports immune function

Garlic contains powerful compounds that have antiviral, antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

These compounds, such as allicin and diallyl sulfide, help inhibit inflammatory proteins and enhance immune cell activity, thereby strengthening the body's defense system.

Garlic has also shown to be effective against pathogens that cause common respiratory infections and some types of flu.

Good for the liver

Garlic has many benefits for liver health, especially in the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

According to many studies, men who eat raw garlic 4-6 times a week can reduce the risk of this disease by up to 34%. However, this effect has not been recorded in women.

In addition, garlic powder supplementation also improved important liver enzyme indices such as ALT and AST in NAFLD patients.

Notes when eating garlic

Garlic is good for your health, however, consuming too much garlic can be harmful for people with bleeding or blood clotting disorders. People with allergies to onions and garlic (such as leeks and chives) should also avoid it.

Eating too much garlic can cause digestive upset, bad breath, and body odor. In particular, raw garlic should not be applied directly to the skin because it can cause burns and dermatitis.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vi-sao-toi-co-loi-cho-suc-khoe-cua-nao-tim-va-gan-185241216202740945.htm