Garlic is a powerful Ayurvedic plant that is well-known for its numerous health advantages, particularly in relation to blood sugar regulation. Allicin, a sulfur-containing substance produced when raw garlic is crushed, is the main component of garlic’s possible health benefits, Apurrva Sawant, Preventive Healthcare Expert told Financial Express.com.
This bioactive component, which gives garlic its unique smell and perfume, has been the focus of several research investigations into its possible health advantages.
What are the health benefits of Allicin?
- Maintaining Blood Sugar Levels: The hallmark of diabetes is the body’s incapacity to appropriately control blood sugar levels, which results in hyperglycemia—permanently high levels. It has been demonstrated that allicin may help improve blood sugar regulation. According to research, allicin may improve insulin sensitivity, which might facilitate cells’ better absorption of glucose. Patients with diabetes may benefit from increased insulin sensitivity, which might result in better blood sugar control.
- Support for the Heart: Cardiovascular problems are more likely to occur in people with diabetes. Through the promotion of ideal blood vessel and cholesterol function, allicin may help heart health. According to studies, allicin’s lipid-lowering and vasodilatory properties may help strengthen the cardiovascular system.
- Support for Antioxidants: Increased oxidative stress, a disorder in which the equilibrium between free radicals and antioxidants is upset, is frequently linked to diabetes. As a strong antioxidant, allicin may help reduce oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals. Researchers discovered that allicin has antioxidant qualities that might aid diabetics in controlling oxidative damage. Allicin may improve the general health of people with diabetes by reducing oxidative stress.
Allicin also has anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit diabetics, aids in weight management, which is a crucial component of diabetes treatment, and benefits in overall glucose metabolism, Dr. Sawant revealed.
Here are the top 4 methods to incorporate garlic into your daily diet to control diabetic symptoms and naturally regulate insulin production:
- Eating garlic raw is one of the simplest methods to gain its benefits. Garlic’s powerful components are preserved while it is raw, but they may become less effective when cooked. Add some minced garlic to dips, condiments, or salads. This enhances its flavor and maximizes its health advantages, particularly for people trying to reduce their blood sugar levels.
- Garlic can be added to herbal teas to provide a soothing effect. A warm beverage made by combining crushed garlic with ginger or chamomile may help reduce blood sugar levels. Additionally, it provides hydration, which is essential for general health, especially for diabetics.
- The use of garlic oil is yet another fantastic approach to incorporate garlic into your diet. You may sprinkle it on your favorite cooked foods or incorporate it with salads. For people who prefer a milder flavor, garlic oil is an excellent choice because it retains some of the healthy element’s present in whole garlic.
- Cooking with garlic has health advantages even though raw garlic is more powerful. Garlic can improve the flavor and reduce blood sugar levels of stir-fries, soups, and roasted vegetables. Just watch out that it doesn’t get overcooked because that might destroy its important components.
“Garlic can help lower blood sugar, but it’s important to keep your diet balanced. Consuming a wide range of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and healthy grains helps to regulate blood sugar levels. See garlic not as a stand-alone remedy but as an addition to your meals. One way to properly control diabetes is to adopt a comprehensive approach to your nutrition and lifestyle,” Dr. Sawant said.