Good for You Garlic

It’s almost Halloween, and we know everyone is stocking up on garlic and wooden stakes for their protection against those night-walking vampires! On a serious note, garlic holds many other protective benefits. Garlic contains manganese, tryptophan, phosphorous, copper, protein, vitamin B1, B6 and C at only 42 calories per ounce.

Vitamin C: Prevents the oxidation of your LDL (good cholesterol). Oxidized LDL can lead to damage of your blood vessel walls.

Vitamin B6: Lowers the levels of the amino acid, homocysteine, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Selenium: Aids in slowing the oxidation of LDL and so lowers the risk of coronary artery disease; also activates prostaglandins, which aid in the expansion and constriction of blood vessels, and regulate blood pressure.

Other Health Benefits of Garlic

• produces hydrogen sulfide gas, which helps to expand blood vessels and keep blood pressure in check
• may help improve iron metabolism
• has the ability to lower triglycerides and total cholesterol
• can help protect against blood clots by preventing the platelets from becoming too sticky

Preparation Tips: After chopping or crushing, let the garlic rest for a few minutes before adding it to a hot pan. And when cooking with garlic, add at the end of the recipe to maintain the most nutrition and taste.

Reliv nutritional products containing garlic include Reliv Now®, Reliv Classic® and FibRestore®. Not a garlic lover? Try a berry flavored CardioSentials® shake from Reliv instead. CardioSentials is clinically proven to lower risk factors for heart disease.