What are the health benefits or medicinal uses of garlic?

There are many purported benefits both proven and unproven. For example as far back as Roman times, garlic would be issued to soldiers to increase their stamina.





I'm curious as to what you think its benefits are. Any contraindications (bad effects)?

What are the health benefits or medicinal uses of garlic?
Good:


Can help lower cholesterol


Is a natural antibiotic


Can ward off vampires


Tastes lovely with bread and butter.





Bad:


Can cause heartburn


Can cause bloating


Not to be recommended for consumption when on a date-type situation
Reply:Well, I like garlic, but I don't want to smell it on someone else's breath, it's too strong!!





As for vampires, I don't know - there has been a few monsters in the past, so quite possibly, yes.





What about you? Report It

Reply:its good with cholestoral reducing from its antioxidents
Reply:The New York Times' health blog discussed this issue recently:


http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/15...





It says garlic may help the heart.





Its downsides include bad breath and possible indigestion.
Reply:good for blood