Garlic

In traditional and Islamic medicine, garlic is a hot and dry herb that has many medicinal properties, and its balanced consumption can help strengthen the body and prevent and treat many diseases.
Garlic as a natural medicine has a wide range of properties:
Immune system booster and antimicrobial: Increases white blood cell production and fights infections.
Cardiovascular health: Reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevents atherosclerosis, and improves blood circulation.
Anticancer and antioxidant: Its sulfur compounds and allicin prevent DNA damage and the growth of cancer cells.
Anti-inflammatory and joint pain relief: Useful for diseases such as arthritis and muscle pain.
Garlic contains sulfur compounds such as allicin, ajoene, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide, which are released when garlic is crushed or chewed. These compounds, along with vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and antioxidants such as quercetin, contribute to garlic's healing properties. Allicin, which is the main contributor to garlic's pungent odor, plays a key role in its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
Research has shown that consuming garlic can increase white blood cell production and improve immune response. A 2015 study found that people who consumed garlic daily were 63 percent less likely to get a cold.
Garlic promotes heart health by lowering LDL cholesterol, regulating blood pressure, and preventing atherosclerosis. A 2016 meta-analysis found that consuming garlic for 8 weeks can reduce systolic blood pressure by 7–10 mmHg.
Garlic can prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. The compound S-allylcysteine in garlic has a protective role for neurons.
Garlic helps to eliminate toxins and heavy metals like lead and mercury by activating liver enzymes. A 2012 study found that workers exposed to lead had lower blood lead levels when they consumed garlic.
Garlic's antibacterial properties can help treat acne, and its antioxidants help prevent premature skin aging. Some also believe that garlic promotes hair growth by improving blood circulation.
Imam Ali (AS) quotes the Prophet (PBUH) as saying: "Eat garlic, if I were not talking to an angel, I would eat it."
Garlic, whether eaten raw or cooked, can have positive effects on your health. Its active compounds, particularly allicin, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and improve heart health. Raw garlic has more antibacterial and antiviral properties, but cooked garlic is better tolerated and gentler on the digestive system. Regular consumption of garlic can help lower blood pressure, regulate cholesterol, and prevent certain diseases.
Cooking garlic reduces its pungency, making it more tolerable for people with hot or cold temperaments. Many traditional medicine practitioners believe that cooked garlic purifies the blood, helps improve heart function, and flushes out bacteria from the body. Regular consumption of cooked garlic, especially in food, has long-term health benefits.
Eating raw garlic with food increases the absorption of its beneficial compounds. Especially if you chop the garlic and let it sit for a few minutes, its allicin content increases. This will strengthen the immune system, help with better digestion, and control blood sugar. Consuming raw garlic with foods that contain fat or protein can help lower cholesterol and enhance its antioxidant effects.
Eating garlic on an empty stomach can boost the immune system and help detoxify the body. When the stomach is empty, the antibiotic effect of garlic is greater and can fight harmful bacteria. Eating garlic on an empty stomach also helps lower blood pressure, improve digestion, and reduce oxidative stress. However, it can cause stomach irritation in some people and should be consumed with caution.
Garlic in any form, raw, cooked or black, is a valuable source of antibacterial, antioxidant and immune-modulating compounds. Regular and moderate consumption can help strengthen the heart, improve liver function, regulate blood sugar and lipids, and reduce inflammation. However, excessive consumption may lead to stomach irritation, bad breath or drug interactions. Especially for those taking blood thinners or digestive medications, it is absolutely essential to consult a traditional medicine practitioner or nutritionist before starting regular garlic consumption. Garlic should be used with caution as it is a natural medicine.

Translator:Fatemeh Abbaszadeh