Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the genus Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, Welsh onion and Chinese onion. It is native to Central Asia and northeastern Iran and has long been a common seasoning worldwide.
Benefits
- Garlic is effective in enhancing the immune function, it contains allicin which may protect against heart diseases and cancer.
- Garlic helps in stabilizing blood sugar level, it help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and also improves blood sugar management and this might be helpful to people with type 2 diabetes.
Possible side effects
- Individuals with gastroesophageal reflux disease must consult healthcare professionals as consuming garlic might trigger heartburn.
- Individuals taking blood thinners should seek assistance when considering increasing garlic intake because it might interact with the medication.
Quantity recommendations
- 1-2 cloves of garlic everyday can help in the well functioning of the body, when taking garlic in supplement form it is recommended that one takes about 3600 mg of the extract a day.