10 Ways That Garlic Can Improve Your Health

1. Helps protect against the common cold (and the plague according to the ancients!).
2. Can helps to reduce high cholesterol levels within the body.
3. Although garlic is not a cure for acne, it does have powerful antibiotic properties and is a blood cleanser, so it may alleviate this skin condition.
4. Garlic is a good mosquito repellent . It contains allicin which confuses the insects sense of smell and stops them locating their target... you! Bunches of garlic is a garden shed, or kitchen, will keep these troublesome creatures away.
5. The antibiotic properties of garlic are effective against fungi, bacteria and viruses. According to laboratory testing garlic is 1% of the strength of penicillin. The body doesn't seem to build up a resistance against garlic, though. So, it's a good all round addition to a healthy diet.
6. Garlic has a powerful anti-oxidant effect and can help to prevent cell damage caused by free radicals. These are agents that cut down the cells' ability to uptake oxygen. When this happens cells can't repair themselves as well as before and body functioning is slowed down by a reduction in oxygen levels.
7. There is also a connection between garlic and reduction in blood pressure. Tests, although not conclusive, have shown this effect in a number of people.
8. It is also thought that allicin (the key chemical ingredient in garlic) can have a beneficial effect on osteoarthritis.
9. Garlic is also a good nasal decongestant and can help in the treatment of colds.
10. In some people, garlic has had a beneficial effect on asthma.

Just a word of warning here. Garlic is very beneficial in the diet but taking it to excess can cause side effects. These are not just limited to smelly breath because high levels of allicin in the digestive tract can cause burning, irritation and even ulcers. Like all good things, use garlic in moderation.