More researchers are starting to consider garlic to be a superfood and are supporting it for its medicinal properties. Having a high diversity of bacteria in the gut is usually associated with improved health, but with age, gut diversity can decline. Additionally, neurodegenerative diseases begin to develop in people later in life, leading experts to study the possible link to changes in gut microbiota and a decline in brain health associated with aging.

Garlic May Improve Gut Bacteria and Memory

One study that involved mice showed that consuming garlic may lead to having a better memory and healthier gut bacteria. Mice who were given a garlic extract also had increased gene expression of a specific gene that is required for memory consolidation.

This study suggested that consuming garlic may help keep seniors’ guts healthy and improve brain function in the elderly. Garlic may be key in controlling the microbiota in the gut, as garlic contains inulin, a type of prebiotic fiber that improves gut health. Inulin helps your body digest and absorb food and plays a large part in boosting your immune function.

Garlic and Your Brain

Research has shown the benefits of aged garlic extract for brain health. This type of garlic is a well-known anti-inflammatory that can improve short-term recognition memory. Studies have shown that it can relieve neuroinflammation in rats who have a disease similar to Alzheimer's.

Aged garlic extract produces beneficial organosulfur compounds that are much more saturated in aged or black fermented garlic than in raw garlic. Aged garlic extract also offers thiosulfinates, which also have antioxidant effects. Aged garlic extract offers a number of possible protective factors for the brain, including:

• Protection against neurodegenerative decline
• Prevent brain injury after a stroke
• Prevent decline in function in the brain's frontal lobe
• Improvement of memory retention
• Increased life expectancy

Aged garlic extract may also improve the diversity of gut microbiota and could potentially prevent Alzheimer's disease. Fresh, uncooked garlic may also improve memory function, as shown in one study where rats that were fed garlic had an increased memory retention.

Garlic and Your Heart

This herb is known to reduce the risk and treat a wide range of heart and metabolic diseases, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and diabetes. Garlic stimulates immune function and enhances your liver's ability to detoxify your blood. Garlic also has an antimicrobial effect; however, it contains strong antioxidant properties that support health.

Consuming garlic powder may protect the elasticity of the aorta in seniors. This artery plays the vital role of pumping blood to your organs. Aortic stiffness often comes with age and is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, heart failure, and strokes.

Studies have shown that seniors who take garlic powder have a lower chance of experiencing aortic stiffness, which means their heart is protected from this age-related risk factor.

Garlic is also a potent vasodilator, meaning it promotes relaxation in your blood vessels and widens their diameter, which encourages healthy blood flow. This allows for the efficient oxygenation of your body's tissues and organs, and helps your body remove waste and carbon dioxide.

Garlic also has cancer-fighting properties that may help protect people from developing cancer.

If you find yourself avoiding eating garlic because it can lead to garlic breath or you simply don't like the taste, it is worth it to reconsider your stance, if possible. The health benefits of garlic on your brain and overall health are substantial, and you can reduce the amount of garlic breath you may have after a meal by eating a raw apple, lettuce, or mint leaves. These natural foods are known to be able to significantly reduce bad breath after eating garlic. Try adding garlic to your favorite dishes and eat as much as you feel that you can. It can prevent you from suffering from diseases later in life.