One of the most inocuous vegetables in our kitchens is garlic. But did you know that this humble vegetable is a miracle  food, better than a lot of medicines? Here, read about its benefits and see for yourself --

• Garlic is known to reduce cholesterol: The largest study so far has been conducted in Germany where 261 patients were given either garlic powder tablets or a placebo. After 12 weeks it was observed that mean serum cholesterol levels dropped by 12 per cent in the garlic-treated group and triglycerides dropped by 17 per cent compared to the placebo group [Anti-viral effects of Garlic by Peter Josling].
  

• Garlic fights infections: One of the most active
  compounds in garlic, allicin, is an excellent anti-microbial drug,
  which can fight a wide variety of infections. Allicin effectively
  blocks two groups of enzymes — cysteine proteinases and alcohol dehydrogenases — which makes it an excellent natural broad spectrum anti microbial.
  

• Garlic cures certain fungal infections: Garlic has long been a traditional cure for Candida infections, thrush and Athlete's Foot.
  Again it is the allicin in garlic that has strong anti-candidal
  properties. Wash the fungus-infected skin with an infusion of garlic
  and water, and include plenty of garlic in your diet.
  

• Garlic and cancer: Garlic contains allyl sulfur and other compounds that decrease or prevent the growth of cancer
  cells. Demographic studies have shown that fewer number of garlic
  eaters have got cancer compared to non-garlic eaters. This is
  especially true of stomach and prostrate cancers. Studies conducted by
  the Penn State University have shown that a by-product of allicin,
  S-allyl Cysteine, prevents the growth of breast cancer cells. Another
  study conducted by the same university showed that garlic contained two
  compounds known as diallyl disulfide (DADS) and diallyl trisulfide
  (DATS) that helped in the prevention of lung, skin and colon cancers.
  

• Garlic and hypertension: Those suffering from hypertension can have garlic (along with their prescription medicines) to help in
  blood pressure management. Although it hasn’t been proven conclusively,
  it does appear that there is some evidence to support the role of
  garlic in reducing blood pressure.
  The garlic sulphides, rather than allicin, help in this case. Since
  garlic helps in cholesterol reduction, it also indirectly helps in
  managing hypertension.