Adding garlic to your meals can have many positive effects on your health. It has antibacterial properties and can reduce the risk of developing heart problems. Many people also use garlic to treat the symptoms of common colds and the flu. Here is why fighting the flu with garlic is a good idea.
Garlic Gives You an Immunity Boost
Garlic contains many compounds that can boost your immunity. When you cut it, it releases allicin, an ingredient with many health benefits. This compound serves as a natural antibiotic. It can inhibit both bacteria and fungus and destroy the infected cells from within.
Allicin is rich in sulfur, but also unstable. It remains intact only for a short time before breaking up into other active compounds. These other ingredients add to the overall positive effects of garlic on the immune system.
Due to its immunity-boosting properties, you can benefit from fighting the flu with garlic. But according to research, garlic can also prevent common colds. Several studies have shown that people who eat enough garlic are less likely to catch a cold. If they do fall ill, garlic can help ease the symptoms and speed up recovery.
How to Eat Garlic
For garlic to release allicin, you need to crush it before eating it. You can also slice it or chew it. Just don’t eat the whole clove at once, as it won’t have the same health benefits. You don’t have to eat the garlic on its own, though. If you don’t like its strong taste, you can add it to your meals to mask it.
There are many garlic-based supplements on the market, too. But research offers no proof that they can preserve the positive effects of allicin. Out of all these supplements, only aged garlic extract can help treat the symptoms of colds and the flu.
Final Word
There are many benefits to fighting the flu with garlic. This potent herb will boost your immunity and kill bacteria and viruses that are causing your problems. To get the most out of garlic, eat it raw or use its extract. Even if you don’t have the flu, add garlic to your diet to maintain your health.
