When was the last time you had some mouth-watering garlic shrimp? In the Lenten season, that is a perfect meal, especially when you consider the many health benefits of garlic. Many of us use this bulb out of habit every day to cook without considering whether it's good for us. Well, eating garlic is a good habit, so don't break it.

Below are some of the benefits and uses of garlic.

High blood pressure

Garlic helps lower hypertension (high blood pressure) and cholesterol. By dilating or expanding blood vessels, garlic relieves blood pressure. Garlic also helps prevent blood clots, therefore, reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke - by decreasing the 'stickiness' of platelets, which are tiny disk-shaped bodies in the blood that are necessary for blood to clot. When platelets are too sticky, they form clumps that can adhere to artery walls and contribute to clogged arteries. Garlic also contains substances that lower total cholesterol and triglycerides, another type of blood fat, all the while increasing HDL - 'good cholesterol'.

Smoking

Garlic helps counteract the addictive properties of nicotine and relaxes the blood vessels counteracting the effect of smoking on blood pressure.

Fight infections

Garlic is seen as natures antibiotic. It is an anti-bacterial and anti-infection agent. It contains a substance called allicin, which has anti-bacterial properties It is good on wounds, ulcers, skin infections, flu, athlete's foot and colds.

For most internal problems, eating garlic raw is probably the most potent way to take it. Cooking decreases its healing properties so when cooking, add at the last minute. Garlic kills a range of microbes, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It also helps stimulate your white blood cells to battle infections.

Colds, coughs and sore throat.

For cough, flu, and respiratory problems, use garlic to make a cough syrup. Slice one pound of fresh garlic and pour one quart of boiling water over it. Let sit for 12 hours, then add sugar until you reach the consistency of a syrup. Add honey for a better taste, if desired.

For sore throat, make a garlic tea by steeping several cloves in half a cup of water overnight. (You might want to hold your nose to swallow it.

Very odiferous

Garlic is safe, but it causes the breath and sweat to smell very unpleasant. If it doesn't make you odiferous, then it wasn't very useful, since the smell indicates the presence of the healing properties. To help reduce the odour, take a source of chlorophyll, such as a fresh leafy green vegetable or parsley, with garlic. Or take most of your garlic at night, then shower in the morning

PS: Before using any dose of garlic to fight any of your illnesses, please consult your doctor.

Sources

http://health.howstuffworks.com/medical-uses-for-garlic-ga.htm

http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail128.php

http://www.gardensablaze.com/HerbGarlicMed.htm

For a garlic flavour on your jerk chicken try this Lee Kum Kee Black Bean Garlic Sauce. The small bottle is for $145 plus tax at Lee's Food Fair supermarkets. - Shelly-Ann Thompson/Staff Reporter

Some the healing benefits of garlic have been scientifically proven and produced as a dietary supplement. - file

Garlic scallops in a bed of vegetables, served with mashed potatoes and tossed salad is just one of the exquisite menu items available. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer