Can Garlic Help Heal the Gut?
Garlic usually is high in inulin, a sort of non-digestible carbohydrate that supports the good bacteria in the digestive system. Basically, it serves as fuel for the good bacteria to properly do their job, enabling the gut to perform better overall. It prevents disease-promoting bacteria from originating simultaneously. Garlic holds a key position in Indian cuisine. Apart from its use in daily curries and sauces, it has been rated as one of the most effective foods to cure many health issues. Garlic has diverse benefits such as supporting the circulatory and digestive systems, boosting the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and combating heart disease. It can also eradicate toxins from our body.
Growing up I always use to find my dad chewing on 2 cloves of raw garlic first thing in the morning. I would be puzzled and hesitant to go closer to him due to the foul smell of raw garlic. On asking he would reply, garlic may not be the best for breath right in the morning, but the health benefits studied have made it ideal as a morning medicine. On being asked more, my dad highlighted the following reasons why “garlic” is his chosen food.
- My dad who suffers from high blood pressure due to old age said garlic helps in controlling blood pressure and cholesterol levels especially if taken empty stomach.
- He also travels a lot, which means a change of weather and water. This would result in constant allergies in the form of a clogged nose and cough. According to him, in Ayurveda, raw garlic is believed to be the most effective natural antibiotic. The antibiotic properties are significantly high if garlic is consumed raw, on an empty stomach. Garlic contains abundant antibiotic and antifungal sulphur compounds including allicin, allin and ajeone. The antibiotic components and its volatile oil helps treat cold and cough.
- My dad also has issues with bloatedness and gas, he mentioned that eating raw garlic first thing in the morning stimulates digestion and appetite. Smoother digestion aids effective weight loss.
All the above reasons never compelled me to eat raw garlic the first thing in the morning. As kids, we always tend to ignore what our parents and grandparents teach thinking that they have no scientific evidence.
Now, when I come across these articles I am reminded of my childhood memories and the “Ayurveda Tales” from my dad. He had an explanation for each herb and vegetable that he consumed raw. Next time it will be a different herb and another childhood memory!
Today what I learned from my parents, I practice on my kids and myself. Knowledge is power and the more I understand the side effects of over the counter medicines, further, I am drawn towards these natural sources!
Enjoy the added video!
Yes agreed Garlic is a superfood that is overseen but it has sooo many health benefits
Very informative! Didn’t know so much about garlic… Thanks for this
It’s clear that nature has it’s own medicine for everything! Good to know these facts.