You know garlic as an odorous but tasty addition to various food dishes. But garlic cloves are loaded with potential health benefits because of their natural phytochemicals that can positively influence the body.
Although the herb can be a beneficial supplement for both the sexes, it can be incredibly helpful for men at risk of certain chronic conditions, including prostate problems and cardiovascular disease [1].
Here are the nutritional benefits of garlic for men:
Several garlic compounds are antioxidants that help the body rid itself of free radicals called unstable molecules that form after exposure to toxins or digestion.
Free radicals can raise your risk of hardening of the arteries or atherosclerosis, which over a period can lead to coronary artery disease, a problem the AHA (American Heart Association) says is particularly common in men over forty-five.
A review published in the 2010 issue of “Current Pharmaceutical Design” that examined findings from 53 clinical trials with multiple herbal remedies found that consuming garlic may lower blood cholesterol [2]. High cholesterol levels also can contribute to coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis.
Researchers at the UMMC (University of Maryland Medical Center) observed that garlic also has blood-thinning abilities that slow clot formation, potentially helping lower the risk of circulatory problems and stroke.
[Read: Health Benefits of Garlic]
MSKCC (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) states that compounds in garlic may have potent anti-cancer properties, helping protect you from a few types of cancer, including colon, stomach, and prostate.
A paper presented in the “Journal of the National Cancer Institute” November 2002 issue included subjects with and without diagnosed prostate cancer cases and found that garlic intake was linked with a remarkably lower risk of developing the disease.
These results are encouraging, but studies that identify a direct association between compounds in garlic and protection from prostate cancer are still required to conclude this benefit [3].
Garlic compounds may positively affect your immune system, helping you recover or ward off more quickly from sickness.
Research published in the journal of “Advances in Therapy” of 2001 issue that included forty-six healthy subjects who took a placebo or a garlic supplement found that those who took garlic were less likely to develop the common flu and, if they did, were able to recover more rapidly than those in the placebo grouping.
MSKCC experts believe garlic compounds are natural antibiotics that can support immune function by stimulating cells known as macrophages and t-lymphocytes to increase in number and become more active, helping them fight off potentially dangerous pathogens [4].
You may increase your intake of healthy garlic compounds by consuming crushed, fresh garlic regularly or by using garlic supplements. These are available as aged, odorless garlic extract or powdered dried garlic preparations, either in pills or capsules.
Garlic supplements are usually considered safe, although some products might cause gastric upset or bloating. Garlic can interact with certain medications, including anti-viral medications, blood-thinners, or other prescription drugs. Before using garlic, discuss its use as an herbal supplement with your physician to decide if it might help you.
The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes and Blood Pressure. Hypertension or high blood pressure is definitely one of the critical drivers of these diseases.
Human studies have found garlic supplements to significantly reduce blood pressure in individuals with high BP (blood pressure).
In one research, 600–1,500 mg of aged garlic extract was just as effective as the drug Atenolol at lowering blood pressure over 24 weeks. Supplement doses must be relatively high to have the desired results. The amount required is equivalent to about four cloves of garlic per day.
Oxidative damage from free radicals leads to the aging process. Garlic has antioxidants that support our body’s protective mechanisms against oxidative harm. Large doses of garlic supplements have been shown to significantly reduce oxidative stress in those with high blood pressure and increase humans’ antioxidant enzymes.
The combined effects on reducing blood pressure and cholesterol and the antioxidant properties may minimize the risk of common brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
The possible effects of garlic on longevity are near impossible to prove in humans. The beneficial effects on vital risk indicators like blood pressure make sense that garlic may help you live longer.
It can battle infectious disease is also a vital factor because these are common causes of death, particularly in people with dysfunctional immune systems or the elderly.
No human research has measured the impact of garlic on bone loss. However, rodent studies have proven that it can reduce bone loss by spiking estrogen in females. One research in menopausal women concluded that a daily dose of dry garlic extract (equal to two grams of raw garlic) remarkably reduced a marker of estrogen deficiency.
This indicates that this supplement may have advantageous effects on bone health in women. Foods like onions and garlic can also have beneficial effects on osteoarthritis.
[Also Read: How to take care of Bones & Joints]
It’s evident that garlic has multiple health benefits and can also boost sex drive. Chewing a few cloves of garlic can boost your sex drive, but it’s essential to check with your physician before you begin using garlic.
Allicin is responsible for helping blood flow, which aids in maintaining and getting an erection during intercourse. For best results, take garlic in its raw form. Excessive intake of garlic might be harmful. Use it in moderation.