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Garlic is a versatile ingredient, not only enhancing the flavor of dishes but also serving as a remedy for various health issues. But where does garlic oil come from?
Garlic oil is obtained from crushed garlic through a steam distillation process, resulting in a pure, highly concentrated, and costly product. Alternatively, it can be made by soaking chopped garlic in vegetable oil, producing a less concentrated form. Garlic oil is also available in capsule form, typically containing only 1% garlic oil and the rest being vegetable oil.
Garlic oil offers numerous health benefits due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Below are some of the key health advantages of garlic oil.
1. Improves Digestion
Garlic oil is effective in alleviating constipation and gut inflammation due to its high antioxidant content and stimulating properties. It can enhance digestion, promote peristaltic movement, and reduce the risk of various gastrointestinal issues.
2. Treats Skin Conditions and Wounds
Garlic oil and extracts have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, fibrinolytic, and wound-healing properties, making them potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics and disinfectants. They have been shown to reduce postoperative inflammation in animal studies and can speed up tissue formation and blood supply to wounds. Garlic extracts are also effective in treating skin conditions such as dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, scars, fungal infections, and wrinkles.
3. Manages Metabolic Disorders
Garlic oil is often used to address metabolic disorders, which can include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, elevated cholesterol, and obesity. The antioxidants in garlic oil can positively impact these conditions, reducing risk factors and improving metabolic function.
4. Promotes Heart Health
Garlic oil can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, largely due to its active compound, diallyl disulfide, which has anti-atherosclerotic effects. It enhances fibrinolytic activity, which helps prevent blood clots. Garlic oil also increases the elasticity of blood vessels and improves circulation, further reducing cardiovascular risk.
5. Relieves Headaches
Anecdotal evidence suggests that applying small amounts of garlic oil to the temples or consuming it can quickly reduce inflammation in the temples and blood vessels, thereby decreasing the occurrence of headaches and migraines.
6. Soothes Toothaches and Mouth Sores
Garlic is commonly used for its medicinal properties, especially in oral care. Chewing garlic releases essential oils and phytochemicals that can heal mouth sores, ulcers, sore gums, and toothaches. Applying a paste made from garlic directly to the affected teeth can alleviate gum disease and prevent dental plaque formation.
7. Manages Diabetes
Garlic oil is known for its hypoglycemic effects, helping to regulate insulin production and energy use in the body. This makes it beneficial for enhancing metabolic activity and preventing glucose spikes and drops in people with diabetes. Studies have shown that garlic oil improves glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity.
8. Fights Enteric Pathogens
Garlic oil exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against gut pathogens and can inhibit bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses. The allicin and other organosulfur compounds in garlic oil are particularly effective against Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium linked to gastric cancer and gastrointestinal issues.
9. Aids in Weight Management
Garlic oil is known to boost metabolism, contributing to passive fat-burning and lowering cholesterol levels. It can also help suppress appetite and create a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating and snacking between meals.
These are some of the notable health benefits of garlic oil. While exploring these benefits, you might also want to look into the advantages of garlic-infused products like garlic nail polish and garlic soup.
