Kompas.com – Garlic (Allium sativum) is a spice that is commonly used as a daily flavoring.
However, garlic apparently not only functions as a flavoring because it also has health benefits.
Garlic has been used since ancient times as food, seasoning, and medicines. Its use is recorded in various medical texts from Egypt, China, India, Greece, to Roman.
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In fact, in the Bible and Al-Qur’an Surat Al Baqarah verse 61, garlic has also been mentioned.
Although originating from Central Asia, his tracks were found in the tomb of Raja Tutankhamun who was more than 3000 years old.
Until now, garlic is known as a superfood with a variety of medical benefits for body health:
1. Cardiac health: Protection and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease
Garlic was proven to be beneficial in improving and maintaining heart health.
Research conducted by the Emory University School of Medicine shows that the diralil trisulfide compound in garlic oil can protect the heart after heart attack and during heart surgery.
Rats given this compound after a heart attack showed 61 percent lower heart damage compared to rats that were not treated.
Garlic supplements, especially garlic extract that have gone through the aging process, are also found to be able to reduce blood pressure in individuals who suffer from hypertension.
Also read: 4 Side Effects of Eating Most Garlic, Can Stomach Acid
Garlic works by preventing narrowing of blood vessels, which reduces blood pressure.
However, research shows that individuals with low levels of B vitamins may not feel the same benefits.
2. Against infection: Effective antimicrobials
Garlic is known for its ability to fight various types of infections. Allicin active compounds contained in raw garlic, are proven to have antivirus, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties.
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For example, allicin can fight various types of bacteria including the E Coli strain that is resistant to drugs, as well as fungal infections such as Candida Albicanswhich causes yeast infection.
Further research also shows that garlic is effective against large intestinal parasites such as Giardia, as well as antibiotic resistant bacteria such as MRSA (Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) which is a big challenge in the treatment of infection.
