Garlic is one of the healthiest foods offered to us by nature. Its virtues are recognized around the world and many people use raw garlic as a remedy to treat and prevent several health problems, including to control hypertension and low blood pressure, cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attacks , reduction of blood flow due to narrowing of the coronary arteries and atherosclerosis.
Allicin, an active compound present in large quantities in garlic, would use the same mechanism as the drugs against high blood pressure called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Scientists believe that garlic can prevent the formation of angiotensin, the hormone involved in volume and blood pressure maintenance, and can also help blood vessels relax. In addition, garlic is beneficial for people with high cholesterol levels as it is able to control them.
Garlic, the magical plant
The good news is that many people love this little plant because it is good in many areas. In addition to adding to our favorite dishes a mouth-watering flavor, it is also very useful as a natural remedy in the treatment of many pathologies. If you grow garlic in your garden, you are on the right track! Indeed, this plant is one of the best "stimulators" of the immune system on earth. A recent study found that people who provide supplemental daily garlic can reduce their likelihood of catching a cold or the flu by 63%. In addition, it is effective in treating staphylococcal infections. Many people even make their own garlic oil to speed up the treatment of ear infections.
But beware: it is not because a product is natural that it is therefore safe! Be extremely careful when eating garlic and consume it in moderation. If you consume raw garlic, you may suffer from bad breath, and sometimes heartburn, gas, nausea, a sometimes foul-smelling body odor and a lingering taste in your mouth . Also note that its side effects depend on the chemical balance of each individual and can therefore vary from person to person.
However, if you are in one of these categories, avoid eating garlic in any form:
If you are taking anticoagulants
Did you know that garlic acts as a natural anticoagulant? Well yes ! This means that it is very effective in treating circulation problems because it makes the blood more liquid and therefore prevents blood clots that can cause, among other things, a heart attack, thrombosis, stroke. But be careful not to consume garlic regularly if you are taking anticoagulant medicines as this would accelerate blood thinning and cause abnormal blood loss.
If you are under medication
Do not forget to consult your doctor before consuming it as it amplifies the effects of certain medications, which would cancel out their desired effects or worsen your condition. Consumption of any drug, especially contraceptives, may cause side effects if accompanied by a diet including garlic.
If you have liver problems
Better avoid garlic consumption if you have problems with the liver. Garlic can decrease the effectiveness of drugs administered to cure liver problems.
If you have a fragile stomach
Eating too much garlic or too many onions can aggravate or irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Garlic can also cause other gastrointestinal problems if you consume it while you are taking medicines for the stomach.
If you are pregnant
In general, raw garlic does not pose a problem for pregnant women if it is taken in "moderate" quantities, whether during pregnancy or throughout breastfeeding. However, it is not recommended in so-called therapeutic amounts.
If you have normal or low blood pressure
If you suffer from hypotension or if you have normal blood pressure and are eating garlic, you will run the risk of lowering your blood pressure even more. Consume it in moderation!
And of course in case of any doubt, do not hesitate to consult your doctor!