Health and wellness has been a hot topic of discussion amongst the general public as well as medical professionals and scientific researchers. When asked, most health experts will give you multiple definitions of what they feel health and wellness means to them. Some would define health as the absence of death, disease, discomfort, disability and dissatisfaction. Others define it as a feeling of optimum well-being. Living in a state of emotional, physical, mental, social and spiritual wellness. Wellness can be defined as reducing exposure to environmental and genetic health risks. Increasing good nutrition and exercise in order to help individuals of all ages improve the quality of their life, accomplished through lifestyle behavioral changes. All definitions have basically the same idea; self- responsibility and living a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy Foods
Achieving good health and maintaining wellness requires a number of lifestyle changes including a healthy diet. Eating healthy foods that supply ample vitamins and nutrients is essential for our body systems to function at maximum capacity. Out of all the numerous health foods items discussed for their health benefits, garlic is arguably the more popular one, being used as both food and medicine.
Why Garlic?
Garlic has been the subject of discussion for many, many years and for good reason. It is considered to be one of the many health foods well known for its medicinal properties and health benefits. Some would even consider it to be a “wonder drug”. Being used as a preventative method and as a treatment for many medical conditions.
The Primary Health Benefits of Garlic
Studies have shown that when crushed, garlic yields some interesting by-products. It also contains the sulfur containing compound allicin and a phytoalexin called allixin. These compounds are primarily responsible for garlic’s potency as antioxidants, antibiotics and has anti-tumor and anti-microbial effects. It can kill harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses and help to build up a resistance. It is also said to protect the body against damaging free radicals. Other health benefits of garlic include:
Prevention of:
• Colds
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Hypertension
• Infection
• Impotence
• High cholesterol
• Blood clots
Treatment of:
• Acne
• Asthma
• Bronchial congestion
• High blood pressure
• Intestinal disorders (though if overly consumed, can lead to irritation of the digestive system)
Although garlic is a powerful health supplement, it should not be used as an alternative to eating healthy foods. Remember, maintaining great health includes moderate exercise and eating a well-balanced diet composed of a variety of foods from different food groups.Garlic can be used as a health supplement to boost immunity and help treat certain conditions.