Winter is in full swing in New England….and so may your common cold. And you know what…if Tom Brady eats garlic to fight a cold, they why can’t we? Why is garlic so effective for cold sufferers? Well, research shows that herbs and spices are among the healthiest you can consume. And just about everyone can take advantage of, regardless of your budget.
Garlic in particular has long been known for its healing powers, especially against infectious diseases like cold and flu; due to its immune boosting effects. Fresh garlic is also a potent antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal agent. But its therapeutic effects may go much further than that.
Here are a few reasons why garlic(primarily raw) is so beneficial:
- May be effective against drug-resistant bacteria
- Reduces risk for heart disease, including heart attack and stroke
- Helps normalize your cholesterol and blood pressure
- Protects against cancer, including brain, lung, and prostate cancer
- Reduces risk of osteoarthritis
Garlic must be fresh to give you optimal health benefits though. The fresh clove must be crushed or chopped in order to stimulate the release of an enzyme called alliinase, which in turn catalyzes the formation of allicin.13 Allicin in turn rapidly breaks down to form a number of different organosulfur compounds. So to “activate” garlic’s medicinal properties, compress a fresh clove with a spoon prior to swallowing it, or put it through your juicer to add to your vegetable juice.
So, take a page out of Brady’s book, and grab some garlic today. Who knows, maybe it will help propel him to his 4th Superbowl win. Go Pats!
Information sourced from Mercola.com
