Garlic

Benifits
-Daily doses may help to lower blood pressure and blood cholesterol
-Acts as a nasal decongestant
-Has antiviral and antibacterial properties

Drawbacks
-Makes the breath smell
-May induce migraines
-Occasionally causes contact dermatitis

Herbalists and naturopaths regard garlic as something of a miracle food and use it as a remedy for dozens of complaints , ranging from asthma to arthritis. Garlic's reputation has some basis in truth, and the bulb's healing properties - as an antiviral and antibacteria agent- are now backed up with scientific evidence.

Garlic can be eaten raw in order to reduce nasal congestion as well as to help to relieve the other symptoms of a cold. The medicinal properties of garlic are the result of the sulphur compounds it contains, including those that are responsible for the pungent odour released when a bulb is crushed. There is some dispute as to whether garlic offers the same health benefits when eaten cooked as when taken raw, as many of the volatile components are lost through cooking.

In several studies scientists have shown that the compounds in garlic are good for the heart : they lower blood presssure , suppress cholesterol production in the liver , reduce harmful cholesterol and raise levels of the beneficial high- density lipoproteins in the blood.