Garlic: The Marvelous Plant That Vampires Fear and is a Poisoning Cure

What's not to like about garlic?

The smell you say. Not everyone feels that way. When it comes to cooking no chef is ever caught without those fragrant cloves for flavor.

Garlic is mankind's best friend, and its pungent odor is reportedly one of the reasons vampires don't like it. Garlic, specifically the chemical compound allicin inside garlic, is a powerful antibiotic.

Some European beliefs around vampires is that they were created by a disease of the blood, so a powerful antibiotic would "Kill" a vampire. So, it's garlic's healing properties that they fear.

A Quick Look at Garlic's Healing Properties

For starters a group of scientists based at Washington State University published a study where a compound found naturally in garlic (allicin) is more effective at fighting food poisoning bacteria than two types of antibiotics. 

More good news... the strong antioxidants present in garlic help in reducing the free radical build up in the skin thus keeping it firm and youthful.

It also contains sulfur, which helps the body to produce collagen which in turn helps in fighting wrinkles. 

Attention teenagers!

Garlic's antibacterial properties and antioxidants can clear up your skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. Just rub raw garlic over pimples and watch them go away.

The benefits just keep on coming...

Garlic may help reduce belly fat due to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to boost metabolism. While it isn't a miracle cure, incorporating garlic into a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle can support weight loss efforts, including reducing belly fat.

Garlic is good for your hair. It's believed to be beneficial for hair growth and health due to its sulfur content, vitamins, and minerals, which can nourish hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth.

I read an article that claimed a fresh clove of garlic placed beneath a pillow is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system, thanks to the sulphurously compounds which are released from the garlic. I can't imagine too many people do this. The garlicky scent would make me sick.

In some parts of the world its common to see garlic hanging outside doors to ward off evil spirits, negative energies, and even (to this day) against vampires. It's also associated with good fortune, health, and prosperity.

As it Stands, as the late great journalist Morley Safer once said, "You can never have enough garlic. With garlic, you can eat The New York Times."