Medicine and drugs nowadays are becoming one of the most luxurious things that we have in the market. The cost of these drugs has been considered a major problem in our society these days. This has led to the failure of many people in complying with the doctor’s orders which has resulted to many complications in health and even death. Because of this situation, we can definitely see how important it is for us to cherish health over other things. One way of doing this is to provide a healthy lifestyle that is free from any vices with the combination of good and proper exercise. This is a great way in preventing the occurrence of any diseases and health problems in addition to having a balanced and nutritionally complete diet. Food also has a big influence on our health, which is why it is necessary for us to know the different foods that can help enhance our well being and prevent various harmful diseases. One of the known foods that can bring many benefits in health is garlic. What are the garlic benefits for men?
More about Garlic
Garlic is considered a spice for many delicious recipes and cuisines. However, this plant is actually used both for food and medicinal purposes. Garlic has been used for many centuries now. This spice can offer many health benefits no matter what our age or lifestyle is. Most of us think that garlic is only a simple root plant that carries a pungent smell that can be used in many types of cooking. However, the bulb of this plant actually contains many medicinal compounds that can help treat and/or prevent common ailments and health problems. Garlic can be helpful in both genders; however, this can be more effective or important among males than in females. Because of this benefit, many garlic supplements are already made available for public use.
Garlic is scientifically known as Allium sativum. This belongs to the species of the onion family called Alliaceae. Below are some of the known health benefits of garlic.
Benefits of Garlic
In a lot of test tube studies, garlic has been found out to contain antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. Nevertheless, this effect is still to be proven among humans. Aside from this, garlic is also an effective treatment against certain heart diseases, which includes atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Garlic supplements are also now being used to treat certain types of cancers.
In 2007, BBC has reported that garlic contain other health benefits such as the prevention of common ailments like colds. Garlic is in fact used as an herbal medicine for hoarseness and coughs. In addition to these, garlic is also used as an agent to reduce platelet aggregation and hyperlipidemia. The use of garlic is also found out to help regulate blood sugar levels. The regular use of aged garlic extracts is also known to lower the blood homocysteine levels that help in the prevention of complications that are brought about by DM or diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, it is still important to consult the physician before taking any of these supplements while taking insulin.
These days, garlic is also essential in modern naturopathy since it is also used as a treatment for intestinal worms and other intestinal parasites. This can be used orally as well as an anal suppository treatment. In addition to these, garlic cloves are also used as a remedy to many types of infections, digestive disorders and fungal problems like thrush. The use of garlic has also been effective in AIDS cases in treating cryptosporidium. Garlic is also used by at least one AIDS patient in treating toxoplasmosis and other protozoal disease. This can also help boost the testosterone levels in men.
According to AHA or the American Heart Association, men are more likely to experience heart disease than in women, which is why garlic is considered to be more useful in males. Just like what is mentioned earlier, this herbal medicine decreases the LDL levels in the body or the bad cholesterol and improves or enhances the good cholesterol level. This effect decreases the chance of strokes and heart attacks.
Aside from heart problems, men are also prone to having cancer. Every year, 700,000 men are diagnosed with cancer in the US according to the CDC or the Centers for Disease Control. What’s worse is that approximately 40% of these men eventually die. Nevertheless, with use of garlic, the risk of having certain cancers is significantly reduced. According to the UMMC, garlic is effective in reducing the chances of having prostate, throat, colon and stomach cancers in men. However, these findings are still considered inconclusive and garlic still cannot replace the importance of a healthy lifestyle in cancer prevention.
Immunity is also another benefit of garlic among men. This plant helps in boosting the immune system and the overall immune function. According to MedlinePlus, garlic is effective in the reduction of the severity o certain upper respiratory infections. This includes the common cold. Garlic, likewise exhibits anti fungal activity and can become a topical agent in fighting fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm. The use of garlic is also effective against bronchiolitis, pneumonia and whooping cough. This is also used to help treat ear infections and HIV. Nevertheless, these are still to be proven by more studies and experiments.
So when it comes to improving the health condition, it is clear that garlic can offer us great benefits. Nevertheless, the use of this plant must still be combined with a healthy lifestyle and proper diet and exercise.
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