Lao Wang is a health fan, and usually pays special attention to eating a healthy diet. That day, when he was walking in the community park, he heard his neighbor Aunt Zhang say: "Lao Wang, do you know? Garlic is a good thing, it can kill bacteria and anti-tumor! I heard that eating garlic raw twice a week can reduce the risk of lung cancer by 44%!"
When Lao Wang heard this, his eyes lit up, and he thought in his heart that this garlic is usually used for cooking at home, but he didn't expect that there would be so many benefits.
When Lao Wang got home, he rummaged through the cabinets and found a few heads of garlic, wondering how to eat it raw to be delicious. He tried to take a bite, and the spicy taste went straight to his head, causing him to frown. But at the thought of potentially reducing the risk of lung cancer, Wang gritted his teeth and persevered.
However, Lao Wang also muttered in his heart: Can this garlic really kill bacteria and anti-tumor? Eating it raw twice a week can reduce the risk of lung cancer so much? Is this reliable? He decided to look up information on the Internet to see what the experts have to say.
Hey, Lao Wang, this health fan, is really getting more and more shrewd! But then again, can garlic be anti-tumor? Let's wait and see!
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Efficacy of garlic
Garlic is rich in nutrients, including vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and allicin. These ingredients confer many health benefits on garlic.
For example, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce free radicals in the body and support good health.
Selenium and zinc are essential trace elements that play an important role in maintaining the immune system and boosting metabolism. Allicin, on the other hand, is believed to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, helping to prevent infections and reduce inflammation.
Garlic and anti-cancer
There is a certain disagreement in the scientific community about whether garlic has anti-cancer effects. Some studies suggest that the allicin in garlic may have some effect on fighting cancer.
Allicin inhibits the growth of cancer cells, induces apoptosis of cancer cells, and inhibits the blood supply to tumors. In addition, allicin is able to enhance the function of the immune system and help the body fight off the invasion of cancer cells.
How to consume garlic
To get the best nutritional value of garlic, the best way to do this is to chop or mash it and let it sit for a while to activate the allicin in it.
Garlic can be used in cooking or eaten raw. However, it is important to note that eating garlic raw may cause bad breath and indigestion, so eating it in moderation is a wise choice.
If you're concerned about bad breath, you can choose garlic powder or garlic oil instead.
Garlic with immunity
Garlic is believed to boost the function of the immune system. The allicin in it has antibacterial and antiviral effects that help prevent colds and other respiratory infections. Some studies have shown that a moderate daily intake of garlic can reduce the incidence and duration of colds.
Garlic and the digestive system
Garlic is believed to be beneficial for the digestive system. It promotes gastric juice secretion, aids in digestion of food, and helps relieve stomach upset. In addition, garlic is also believed to help improve intestinal flora and maintain intestinal health.
Garlic and blood sugar control
Some studies have shown that garlic can help control blood sugar levels. The sulfides in garlic are thought to increase insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar levels. However, for diabetics, garlic should be consumed under the guidance of a doctor, and care should be taken to control the amount consumed.
Garlic and cardiovascular health
In addition to fighting cancer, garlic is also believed to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Studies have shown that garlic can lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The sulfur compounds in garlic can help prevent heart disease and stroke by causing blood vessels to dilate and improve blood circulation.
How to choose and store garlic
When buying garlic, you should choose garlic with an intact, dry, and undamaged skin. When storing, it is best to keep it in a cool, ventilated place, away from direct sunlight and high temperatures, so as not to affect its nutrients.
Also, try not to store garlic in the refrigerator for a long time, as refrigeration can reduce its nutritional value.
Other uses
Apart from consumption, garlic has many other uses. For example, garlic can be used to repel insects, especially intestinal parasites.
In addition, garlic can also be used for beauty and skin care, as it has antioxidant and antibacterial effects, which can cleanse the skin and reduce acne and other problems.
Precautions
Despite its many benefits, garlic is not suitable for everyone. For certain groups of people, such as people with stomach ulcers, people taking anticoagulant drugs, pregnant women, etc., garlic should be consumed with caution or as directed by a doctor.