There must be people around you who consider garlic to be the solution to various diseases and always praise the properties of garlic. Garlic is a food that people either love or hate! The spicy flavor of garlic helps to make any food delicious and even eating it raw is pleasant for many people. In this article, we talk about vitamin properties of garlic and its effect on the performance of bodybuilders and athletes in detail.
Nutritional value of garlic
Garlic has been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases. The great sage Ibn Sina also mentioned the nutritional and therapeutic properties of garlic in his works. The benefits of garlic are mainly related to the herbal compounds in garlic, although this food item also contains vitamins and minerals.
The following nutritional information is for one clove of raw garlic (3 grams) and is from USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) data:
- calories: 0
- fat: 0 grams
- sodium: 0.5 mg
- Carbohydrate: 1 gram
- fiber: 0.1 grams
- sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 0.2 grams
- Vitamin C: 0.9 mg
- Roy: 0.04 micrograms
How many calories are in garlic?
A 3-gram clove of garlic has almost no calories, and if you eat the whole clove, it only adds 4 calories to your daily intake.
Nature of garlic in traditional medicine
The nature of garlic in traditional medicine is hot and dry. The heat level of garlic is very high and its humidity depends on the freshness of garlic. The fresher the garlic, the more moisture it has.
In traditional medicine, garlic is known as a plant that dissolves, cleanses and dries moisture. This plant helps to thin the blood and disinfect the body from toxins. Also garlic It is diuretic, regular and causes more sweating will be
If you have a hot temper, garlic may increase your body temperature and you may be annoyed. The side effects of consuming too much garlic for people who have a hot temper can be the following:
- heartburn
- thirst
- skin irritation
Properties of garlic
Garlic is a useful herb, although you may not like it because of its annoying smell; But the properties and benefits of garlic are many. In the following, we mention the different properties of garlic.
1. Properties of black garlic for weight loss
Black garlic is a type of fermented garlic that is probably unknown to many of us. There are many advertisements for black garlic, which is slimming and fat burning, but in reality, it does not have a special and miraculous effect. Black garlic (like normal garlic) has very few calories, and because it is very hot, it may increase the metabolism a little. As a result, there is nothing that can be counted on for weight loss.
2. Properties of garlic for men
Garlic has various health benefits for men, garlic can help men’s cardiovascular health because it lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Also, some research shows that garlic can increase testosterone levels and thus improve sexual health and fertility by increasing sperm production and motility. The strong antioxidant properties of garlic make men’s immune system stronger and reduce the risk of certain cancers, including prostate cancer.
3. Properties of garlic for women
The general properties of garlic, such as high antioxidant or immune system enhancement, which are for men, also apply to women. But garlic, especially for women, can slightly improve hormonal balance or premenstrual discomfort; Because it has anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic’s antimicrobial properties also help prevent infections, including urinary tract infections.
4. The properties of black garlic for the stomach
Because black garlic has gone through the fermentation process, it is a little milder than normal garlic; Therefore, it may cause less digestive and stomach discomfort. But other properties of black garlic for the stomach are similar to the properties of regular garlic, that is, it has properties such as reducing stomach inflammation, regulating stomach acid and reducing the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive system.
5. Properties of pickled garlic for the liver
Pickled garlic is a very strong and thick pickle, and its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds are more than raw garlic. It seems that pickled garlic can help cleanse and detoxify the liver and prevent the accumulation of toxins and fat in the liver.
Also, pickled garlic can improve the function of liver enzymes and reduce the risk of liver diseases such as fatty liver. Of course, scientific research is needed for all these properties and it is necessary to remember that pickled garlic is not a cure for liver diseases and its high consumption can irritate the liver worse.
6. Properties of fasting garlic for the uterus
Since garlic has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties, it can help prevent and treat uterine infections. But be careful to eat it and not put it in the vagina! Also, remember that eating garlic on an empty stomach can be irritating for some women’s digestion, so use it in moderation.
7. Properties of garlic for the skin
It may not be believed, but eating garlic is really useful for clear and glowing skin!
One of the active ingredients of garlic is called allicin, which reduces skin inflammation and fights acne-causing bacteria; As a result, your skin gets less acne. Also, garlic’s antioxidants protect the skin from free radical damage and reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles.
8. Properties of garlic to lower blood pressure
We all know that garlic lowers blood pressure To the extent that some people experience lethargy and weakness by consuming garlic. Garlic lowers blood pressure due to its active compounds such as allicin. By preventing the production of angiotensin II, increasing the production of hydrogen sulfide and nitric oxide, and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, garlic can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Taking 600-2400 mg of garlic powder daily for 8-12 weeks can have a significant effect, especially in people with high blood pressure. To benefit more from these properties, we recommend that you consume garlic raw or in combination with honey.
9. Antibiotic properties and strengthening of the immune system of garlic
Garlic is so useful for strengthening the immune system that it is considered a natural pus-drying agent. Garlic has very strong antibiotic and antioxidant properties and fights infections, bacteria, fungi, infections and viruses in your body. Remember that garlic’s antibiotic properties are very strong and may interact with some blood-thinning medications; So, if you are taking certain medications, consult your doctor about eating garlic.
Properties of garlic for athletes and bodybuilders
Since one of the properties of garlic is its anti-inflammatory properties, it can help in better and faster recovery after exercise. It also strengthens the immune system of athletes to stay healthier. But it is not useful for building muscle or burning fat.
How does garlic help improve sports performance of athletes?
Due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, garlic can help in better recovery after training. It also indirectly improves blood flow and increases oxygen supply to the muscles, which will generally improve the performance of the athlete.
Garlic is a spice that was used as one of the first foods to improve sports performance. Ancient Greek athletes who participated in the Olympics were given garlic before the competition. Garlic is believed to improve athletic performance by activating the enzyme that converts L-arginine to nitric oxide. This, in turn, causes blood vessels to dilate so that the athlete’s power increases.
Is garlic effective for muscle building and muscle growth?
No; Garlic has no effect on muscle building and muscle growth. The only main way to build muscle is to have a protein diet and basic bodybuilding exercises. In order to build muscle and body and reach your desired body, you can communicate with vitamin trainers and receive your personal program from them.
How and the best time to consume garlic
Consumption of garlic depends on how your body reacts to it. For some people, eating garlic while fasting is convenient and beneficial; Some people like to eat raw garlic with food, and some people like to add minced garlic to food or sauce.
So it is impossible to say when is the best time to consume garlic; Because it depends on the reaction of your body and your desire. If you don’t like the taste of raw garlic, you can use cooked garlic or pickled garlic. If you have digestive problems, it is better to start consuming garlic gradually to avoid possible side effects.
For whom is garlic harmful? (Garlic side effects)
The most important side effect of garlic is its smelly and free-flowing breath, which does not go away until a few hours after consuming it. Garlic is generally safe for most people, but for some, it can cause severe allergies and they should avoid garlic. Apart from allergies, garlic can cause digestive problems such as heartburn.
If your stomach is sensitive (for example, you have a stomach ulcer or acid reflux), you should avoid consuming raw garlic. Another important point is that garlic can interact with blood thinners and increase the risk of bleeding.
final word
Garlic is a food and plant with a pungent taste and hot and dry nature. Garlic has many health benefits and cures some physical problems. One of the most important properties of garlic is its effect on disinfecting the body and diluting the blood. In this article, we have fully explained the properties of garlic and how to use it.
Sources: verywellfit – healthline
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