We all love garlic bread. Garlic is used in many yummy foods. But do you know garlic has many health benefits. It is tasty as well as healthy. Lets check out the amazing health benefits of garlic.

Boosts immunity

Who knew boosting your immunity could be as simple as eating more garlic? According to one study involving 41,000 women between the ages of 55 and 69, those who routinely ate garlic, fruits and vegetables had a 35% lower colon cancer risk.

Works as an anti-inflammatory

Research has shown that garlic oil works as an anti-inflammatory. If you have sore and inflamed joints or muscles, rub them with garlic oil. The Arthritis Foundation even recommends it to help prevent cartilage damage from arthritis. 

Improves heart health

Research also indicates that garlic can have a positive impact on your arteries and blood pressure.

Researchers believe red blood cells turn the sulfur in garlic into hydrogen sulfide gas. That expands our blood vessels, making it easier to regulate blood pressure.

Before putting your blood pressure medication away, though, consult your doctor to see if adding more garlic to your diet could be beneficial for you.

Clears up skin

Garlic’s antibacterial properties and antioxidants can clear up your skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. One study shows rubbing raw garlic over pimples can clear them away.

Be aware, though, that garlic could cause a burning sensation on your skin. Consult your dermatologist first before trying this technique, especially if you’re using any other skin care products.

Protects your food

Those same antibacterial properties in fresh garlic can kill the bacteria that lead to food poisoning, including salmonella and E.coli. Don’t use garlic as a substitute for proper food sanitation and food handling, though. 

Treats athlete’s foot

Garlic also fights fungus. If you have athlete’s foot, soak your feet in garlic water or rub raw garlic on your feet to attack the itch-causing fungus. 

Is it better to eat raw or cooked garlic?

Taking advantage of garlic’s benefits sometimes gets a little complicated. For example, the study linking garlic to improved immunity showed benefits came from raw and cooked garlic — not supplements.

Heating up garlic or putting it in a recipe can change garlic’s pH balance. The enzymes from the allicin need a few minutes to start working, so let it sit after you mince, crush or chop it.

Should you take garlic supplements every day?

It’s best to consult your doctor before starting to take any supplement — especially a daily supplement. That advice especially applies to garlic supplements. ​

On rare occasions, garlic supplements can cause headaches, fatigue, appetite loss, muscle aches, dizziness and allergic reactions like asthma attacks or skin rashes.

If you take blood thinners, a garlic supplement can increase the medication’s effect, making it even harder for your blood to clot.

Are There Any Side Effects or Health Risks to Eating Garlic?

For most people, it’s safe to eat garlic liberally. But it’s also possible to have an allergy or sensitivity to these bulbs. Spice allergies aren’t as common as other food allergies, but you may be at a higher risk if you’re also allergic to birch pollen. If you have an allergy to garlic, you could also have allergies to other related spices.

Signs of an allergic reaction to garlic may include hives, facial swelling, and breathing difficulties. A nonallergy food sensitivity to garlic may cause gas, bloating, and other gastrointestinal discomfort.

Also, eating garlic or taking garlic supplements can cause the following side effects in some people:

• Heartburn
• Bad breath
• Burning sensations in your mouth and throat
• Upset stomach
• Body odor
• Diarrhea
• Nausea or vomiting
• Ulcers

Chewing or eating raw garlic may increase such effects, as well as having garlic on an empty stomach.

Eating garlic in moderation is unlikely to interfere with medication, but taking garlic supplements may. Garlic supplements may interfere with HIV drugs and anticoagulants because of an increased risk of bleeding. Bleeding risks can also occur if you’re undergoing surgery.

Take care when using garlic essential oils on your skin. These can cause eczema, burns, and irritation if used incorrectly. Also, do not ingest essential oils.