10 Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic (Lahsun)

ByAli

Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikita Toshi

Last updated: Dec 20, 2023

Garlic, a culinary and medicinal powerhouse, has been a kitchen staple for centuries. Packed with curative properties and enriched with minerals like phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and magnesium, garlic owes its health benefits to a key compound called Allicin. Additionally, it boasts a wealth of vitamins, including C, K, Folate, niacin, and thiamine.

Garlic Nutritional Chart Here is the nutritional chart for 100 grams of raw garlic:

  • Calories: 149 (7% of recommended daily intake)
  • Carbohydrates: 33.1 g (11%)
  • Fiber: 2.1 g (8%)
  • Fats: 0.5g (1%)
  • Protein: 6.4g (13%)
  • Vitamin B6: 1.2mg (62%)
  • Vitamin C: 31.2mg (52%)
  • Thiamin: 0.2mg (13%)
  • Riboflavin: 0.1mg (6%)
  • Manganese: 1.7mg (84%)
  • Selenium: 14.2mcg (20%)
  • Calcium: 181mg (18%)
  • Copper: 0.3mg (15%)
  • Phosphorus: 153mg (15%)
  • Potassium: 401mg (11%)
  • Iron: 1.7mg (9%)

Also contains vitamins A, E, K, Niacin, Folate, Pantothenic acid, Choline, Zinc, Magnesium, and sodium.

Health Benefits of Eating Garlic (Lahsun)

  1. Wards Off Cough and Cold
    • Raw garlic, especially two crushed cloves on an empty stomach, can effectively ward off cough and cold infections. For children, hanging garlic cloves around their necks is believed to relieve congestion symptoms.
  2. Good for Cardiac Health
    • Allicin in garlic prevents the oxidizing of LDL (bad cholesterol), reducing cholesterol levels and improving heart health. Regular consumption helps prevent blood clots and lowers blood pressure.
  3. Improves Brain Functioning
    • Garlic promotes brain health with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially protecting against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
  4. Improves Digestion
    • Raw garlic benefits the intestines, reduces inflammation, and helps clear out intestinal worms, maintaining a healthy gut.
  5. Balances Blood Sugar
    • Raw garlic consumption aids in regulating blood sugar levels, benefiting individuals with diabetes.
  6. Boosts Immunity
    • Garlic’s protection against free radicals, coupled with its zinc and vitamin C content, enhances immunity and fights off infections.
  7. Improves Skin Health
    • Garlic prevents acne, lightens scars, and provides relief for conditions like cold sores, psoriasis, rashes, and blisters. It also protects against UV rays, preventing premature aging.
  8. Prevents Cancer and Peptic Ulcer
    • Antioxidants in garlic protect against various cancers, while its antibacterial action prevents peptic ulcers by eliminating contagion from the gut.
  9. Good for Weight Loss
    • Garlic reduces the expression of genes responsible for adipose cell formation, aiding in weight loss. It also increases thermogenesis, burning more fat and lowering LDL cholesterol.
  10. May Improve Athletic Performance
    • Garlic, considered a “performance-enhancing” substance, has historical use in treating fatigue and improving work capacity. Studies suggest it can improve exercise performance.

Note: Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.

FAQs This might be related & helpful!

Onions and garlic are in the same plant subfamily called Allium.

  • Garlic, considered a vegetable rather than an herb or spice, offers diverse health benefits.
  • Demonstrating its versatility, garlic can reduce total cholesterol levels by 10-15%.
  • The immune-boosting properties of garlic contribute to a reduction in the severity of cold and flu symptoms.
  • Extending its protective effects, garlic can help lower the risk of specific cancers, including colorectal and stomach cancer.

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