Garlic is usually known for its pungent smell and distinct flavour, yet it should be best know for its immense health benefits. Garlic is a species of the onion family. The commonly used part of the plant is the bulb, which is divided into many sections called cloves. The cloves can be consumed raw or used in cooking various dishes. Garlic contains Allicin, a sulphur-bearing compound that gives the medicinal qualities to this wonder herb.

Garlic comprises of the following nutrients:

• Copper
• Iron
• Manganese
• Phosphorus
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Carbohydrates
• Protein
• Thyamine
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin C

Health and Nutrition Benefits of Eating Garlic

• Garlic is known for keeping the common cold at bay. Eating a clove of garlic when you feel like you may be getting sick improves your immune system and builds up the natural defences of the body.
• Garlic is also credited with anti-oxidants that help fight cancer and cancerous tumours
• Garlic has compounds that help prevent heart disease. It helps in lowering the cholesterol level in blood, which in turn reduces the risk of clogged arteries.
• Garlic also helps control blood pressure or hypertension. A chemical known as Ajoene is found in garlic, which helps in thinning the blood, thus reducing clots from forming and reducing hypertension.
• Garlic is effective against fighting off a host of infections. It is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties.