Colds & Flu
[michaelheim](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-316016327/stock-photo-young-woman-with-a-seasonal-winter-cold-or-flu-wearing-a-furry-jacket-and-knitted-cap-blowing-her.html) Garlic is packed with natural antiviral and antibacterial properties, as well as a high content of Vitamin C, which makes it a powerful force against the common cold and the flu. Studies have shown that a daily [garlic](https://www.cookingdetective.com/39-health-benefits-garlic-plus-nutritional-value-garlic/) supplement may reduce the symptoms of a cold by 70 percent when compared to a placebo.Reduce High Blood Pressure
[kurhan](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-315771779/stock-photo-doctor-checking-old-man-patient-arterial-blood-pressure-health-care.html) Hypertension (high blood pressure) has a significant impact on cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and stroke. Studies have shown that high doses of garlic or a garlic supplement have a significant impact on lowering blood pressure in those with high blood pressure. In some situations, a garlic supplement may be as effective as prescription medications for lowering blood pressure.Heart Healthy
[eakkaluktemwanich](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-436142566/stock-photo-hand-holding-garlic-for-lower-high-blood-pressure-herbal-healthy-concept.html) Several studies have shown that garlic is beneficial for the health of your respiratory and circulatory system. It can help reduce high cholesterol, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease and lessen artery hardening. Garlic lowers total and LDL cholesterol, which may lower the risk of heart disease. Garlic, however, does not lower the triglyceride levels, which may also contribute to heart disease.Immune System
[wavebreakmedia](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-320398826/stock-photo-close-up-side-view-of-man-blowing-nose-against-grey-vignette.html?)Garlic contains a variety of compounds that may significantly improve the immune system and reduce inflammation. When garlic is included in the diet, there are four sulfuric compounds in garlic that may help those who suffer from auto-immune diseases. The natural antibacterial and antiviral properties ares so powerful that during the world wars, garlic was used to fight gangrene. If you have an inflammation related skin condition, rubbing garlic oil on the area will provide relief. Your thyroid, which is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a primary role in energy and metabolism, both of which may effect your immune system. Eating garlic may help to improve cases of hypothyroidism.Alzheimer’s and Dementia
[goodluz](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-118867258/stock-photo-senior-couple-walking-on-the-beach-in-fall-season.html)Garlic contains antioxidants that not only protect against cell damage and aging of the skin, but it may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A combination of the effects garlic has on reducing blood pressure and cholesterol and the antioxidant properties may help prevent common brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. High does of fresh garlic or garlic supplements have been shown to reduce the oxidation stress in those with high blood pressure and increase the antioxidant enzyme, which repair damage from free radicals that contribute to the aging process.Nutrition-Rich
[mythja](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-143710639/stock-photo-fresh-ingredients-for-cooking-in-rustic-setting-tomatoes-basil-olive-oil-garlic-and-onion.html) [Garlic](http://www.pbrc.edu/training-and-education/pdf/pns/PNS_Garlic.pdf) is highly nutritious, but low in calories. It is chock full of almost all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs, including: Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Manganese, Selenium and fiber as well as trace amounts of copper, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and Vitamin B1.Prevent Food Poisoning
[twinsterphoto](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-343578749/stock-photo-man-in-office-uniform-having-a-stomachache-food-poisoning-stomach-problems.html)Research has indicated that the anti-bacterial properties found in fresh garlic may help to [prevent food poisoning](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/9238912/Garlic-fights-food-poisoning-bacteria.html) by killing harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella enteritidis, E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Keep in mind that adding garlic to meals does not substitute for proper sanitation, safe cooking and safe handling of food.Detoxify Heavy Metals
[pathdoc](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-253774702/stock-photo-closeup-portrait-stressed-middle-aged-woman-with-headache-holding-head.html)When garlic is consumed in large doses, few times each day, the sulfur compounds found in garlic have been shown to prevent damage the organs from heavy metal toxicity. It may also help to reduce the signs of of toxicity, including high blood pressure and headaches. In one study, it was found that garlic reduce the lead levels in employees of a car battery plant by about 19 percent. Research has also shown that three doses of garlic per day may outperform the prescription drug D-penicillamine for the reduction of symptoms relating to toxicity.Regulates Blood Sugar
[andrey\_popov](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-297531734/stock-photo-close-up-of-woman-hands-testing-high-blood-sugar-with-glucometer.html)Garlic may play an important role in helping to control diabetes. The allicin component of garlic competes with insulin for the insulin-inactivating sites in the liver, which results in an inactivity of insulin. Consuming high doses of fresh garlic or garlic supplements may help to regulate blood sugar, because it enhances the level of insulin in the blood.Fights Cancer
[lightspring](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-177372503/stock-photo-cancer-fight-medical-concept-with-an-arm-of-a-doctor-wearing-a-blue-boxing-glove-fighting-a-group.html) One of the most notorious roles garlic plays in health benefits, is its possible prevention of cancer. Researchers believe that garlic boosts the production of hydrogen sulfide, which may give anti-cancer properties a boost. Research has shown that garlic may be effective in fighting certain cancers, including prostate, stomach, esophagus, colon and breast. One study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that eating about two teaspoons or more of onions, garlic or scallions every day may significantly reduce the risk of prostate cancer.Scares Away Vampires
[elisanth](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-36704974/stock-photo-aristocratic-vampire-doesnt-like-the-smell-of-garlic-isolated-on-black-background.html%22%22) If one of your health concerns includes being bitten by vampires, which by the way, can spread infections, then you definitely should keep a few cloves of garlic handy at all times. Garlic originally got its good reputation for scaring away vampires from ancient Egypt, because during this time it was believed that garlic held incredible healing powers. It was known for its healing powers as well as protection against the plague and supernatural evils. Vampires are thought to be created from infection and they spend an eternity passing the infection on. So, it only makes sense that the natural antiviral and antibacterial properties found in garlic would help to ward vampires away.Given the healing power garlic has on factors such as high blood pressure and blood sugar, it is reasonable to understand why garlic could help you live longer. Also, given the fact that it helps to fight infectious diseases, which are common causes of death. The minimum effective dose for those searching for therapeutic effects is about one clove eaten with your meals two to three times each day.