While being regarded as a staple ingredient for most meals, garlic actually has extra added health benefits to it. Despite some confusion, it is perfectly safe to consume raw. In fact, chopping it or cooking it can reduce the active compound in it which is Allicin. Allicin is a sulfur-containing compound that gives garlic its distinct smell and taste.

Garlic also contains lots of vitamins and nutrients such as magnesium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium, and even Fibre.

Raw Garlic may benefit/ improve:

• Improve Immunity- Allicin can act as an anti-inflammatory agent as well as an anti-oxidant agent, which is known to give the immune system a little boost
• Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels- Anyone who suffers from Type 2 Diabetes may find it helps to lower their blood sugar levels
• Heart Health- Garlic may also help to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Prevent Against Brain Diseases- As it has anti-oxidant properties within it, these are known to aid in the prevention of age-related degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease

Other benefits that can occur but more evidence is needed to prove these theories are:

• Detoxify heavy metals in the body
• Improve bone health (particularly in women)

Garlic is a very easy (and tasty) way to add some extra health benefits to your daily routine and mealtimes. There are various ways to incorporate it into your supplement regime by taking it as a pill/ capsule instead.