How Does Garlic Help You Stay Healthy During The Winter Season?

Garlic is among the most widely consumed spice worldwide, especially during the winters. The season of winter may bring a lot of respiratory, digestive and immunity issues and garlic, in some ways, can help prevent these disorders due to its active compounds.

According to a study, allicin, a principal bioactive compound in garlic has many therapeutic benefits such as antibiotic, antioxidant, cardioprotective and antimicrobial. Allicin is mainly activated when garlic is chopped or crushed.

Garlic also contains other essential vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, selenium, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, folate, choline and beta-carotene.

1. Fights cough and cold Garlic has potent antiviral and antimicrobial properties, says a study. These properties can help people fight against cough and cold pathogens which are high during the winter season. Garlic is mainly consumed as a spice and added to foods, however, some people also use garlic supplements to boost immunity in the treatment and prevention of common cold and cough.

2. Boosts immunity Garlic is suggested to have immunomodulating effects as allicin in it may help maintain the homeostasis of the immune system. Experts say that cold temperatures during the winter tend to suppress the immune system and allow pathogens to easily invade the body. Allicin may help promote white blood cells production in the body, suppress the inflammatory cytokines and help boost immunity and keep pathogens at bay.