Clinical-Aspects-And-Health-Benefits-Of-GarlicAllium-Sativum

Garlic in many civilization across the world one of the oldest known food seasoning and flavouring plant that managed to infuse itself into culinary tradition.

By Arooj Arshad, Samra Gulzar, Riffat Rahim

It is native to central Asia and north eastern Iranand has long been a common seasoning worldwide, with a history of several thousand years of human consumption and use. 80% of the world’s supply of garlic is produced by china. Garlic in many civilization across the world one of the oldest known food seasoning and flavouring plant that managed to infuse itself into culinary tradition. It started its journey in central Asia, domesticated during Neolithic times, spread to the Middle East and northern Africa in 3000 BC, which quickly enabled it to reach Europe. This plant identify as one of the most precious gift of our nature, which was expanded with selective breeding into wide array of popular garlic types are currently used all over the word.


After onion garlic is the second most widely used cultivated allium. All over the world it has long been recognized as a popular remedy for various ailments and physiological disorders and also valuable spice for foods. It is consumed by most of the people and grown throughout Pakistan. In various dishes used as flavouring agent all over the world. The plant may produce pink to purple flowers from July to September in the Northern Hemisphere.


Garlic grows best in loose, well-draining soil. Sandy loam is the ideal type for growing garlic, but plenty of small farmers also do well with clay soils. If you have too much clay, however, you may find yourself dealing with a moisture problem.


It produces hermaphrodite flowers. Pollination occurs with the help of bees, butterflies, moths, and other insects. The composition of raw garlic is 59% water, 33% carbohydrates, 6% protein, 2%Amino acids: Glutamic acid, arginine, aspartic acid, leucine, lysine, valine etc.


Medicinal value


Clinical research to determine the effects of consuming garlic on hypertention found that consuming garlic produces only a small reduction in blood pressure (4 mmHg). Meta-analysis found decreased rates of stomach cancer and digestive tract associated with garlic intake, but cited confounding factors as limitations for interpreting these studies. Further meta-analyses found similar results on the incidence of stomach cancer by consuming allium vegetables including garlic.


Men in China who eat about one clove of garlic daily seem to have a 50% lower risk of developing prostate cancer. Early clinical research suggests that taking garlic extract supplements might reduce the risk of prostate cancer or reduce symptoms associated with prostate cancer. Recent research suggests that garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds when taken for prevention.


Evidence suggests that applying a specific fat-soluble garlic extract to warts on the hands twice daily removes warts within 1-2 weeks. Also, a water-soluble garlic extract seems to provide modest improvement, but only after 30-40 days of treatment. Early evidence suggests that applying a garlic 5% gel along with a topical steroid for 3 months increases hair growth in people with hair loss.


Some early research suggests that taking a specific garlic product for 12 months reduces the risk of sudden death and heart attack in people at risk for developing clogged arteries.


Beneficial for weight loss:


Garlic is responsible for boosting energy levels that burn all the calories, keeping you fitter. It helps to lose weight efficiently and also boost up your metabolism. This also decrease your appetite so it also called appetite suppressant and helps keep you fuller for longer, further preventing you from overeating. A study published in the Journal of Nutrition, there is an association between garlic and fat-burning. The compounds present in garlic also stimulate the  fat – burning process. It is a great detoxifying agent. It helps flush out toxins that can be a hindrance to your digestive system. So, including garlic in your diet will only help keep your digestive system in check.


Spiritual and religious uses


Garlic has been regarded as a force for both good and evil in folklore. In Europe, many cultures have used garlic for protection or white magic, perhaps owing to its reputation in folk medicine. Central European folk beliefs considered garlic a powerful ward againt demons, werewolves, and vampires. Garlic could be worn to ward off vampires, rubbed on chimneys and keyholes, or hung on windows.


Side effects of Garlic


Garlic is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately. Up to 7 years garlic has been used safely in research. When taken by mouth, it can cause bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth, heartburn, vomiting, body odor, and diarrhea. These side effects are often worse with raw garlic. Garlic may also increase the risk of bleeding. There have been reports of bleeding after surgery in people who have taken garlic. Asthma has been reported in people working with garlic, and other allergic reactions are possible.


Garlic products when applied to the skin are possibly safe. Products that containing garlic like gel, pastes, and mouth washes have been used for up to 3 months. However, when applied to the skin, garlic might cause skin damage that is similar to a burn. When raw garlic applied to the skin is possibly unsafe. When raw garlic applied to the skin cause severe skin irritation. Some breastfeeding mothers have found, after consuming garlic, that their babies can be slow to feed.