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| - Last Updated on September 19, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media video claims that you can use garlic as a natural Viagra, enhancing sexual performance and treating erectile dysfunction (ED). After fact checking we term this claim as Mostly False.
The Claim
A Facebook video suggests that consuming garlic can improve sexual performance similarly to Viagra and can be used as a natural remedy for erectile dysfunction. It tells viewers to grate garlic and mix it in water with honey, and then consume it.
Fact Check
What is Viagra?
Viagra, known generically as sildenafil, is a prescription medication used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by increasing blood flow to the penis. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which regulates blood flow in the penis. But, it comes with its own set of side effects, so be careful.
Sildenafil can cause side effects in more than 1% of people. Taking it for a short time for erectile dysfunction usually doesn’t cause harm. However, using it long-term for pulmonary hypertension might lead to side effects such as headaches, nausea, flushing, indigestion, a stuffy nose, and dizziness. If these side effects do not improve or get worse, you should consult your doctor for advice.
What are the potential health benefits of garlic?
Adding garlic to your diet can offer several health benefits:
- Cholesterol and Heart Health: Garlic can lower total and LDL cholesterol, which benefits heart health. It also helps reduce blood pressure, especially in people with hypertension.
- Antibiotic Properties: Garlic releases allicin when chopped or crushed, acting as an antibiotic and potentially managing bacterial infections, even those resistant to antibiotics.
- Ethanol-Induced Liver Injury: Garlic has properties that protect the liver, particularly from damage caused by alcohol.
- Weight Management: Garlic can aid in weight loss, fat reduction, and decreasing waist circumference.
- Preventing Memory Problems: Aged garlic extract (AGE) may help protect against cognitive decline and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease. But, we need more extensive studies to substantiate this. And, some people also suggest garlic can cure strokes, but this is entirely false.
- Improving Bone Health: Garlic can improve calcium absorption, which is beneficial for bone health and conditions like osteoporosis.
- Anticarcinogenic Properties: Compounds in garlic may help protect against cancer by stopping cancer cell growth and inducing cancer cell death.
- Antiviral Properties: Garlic also shows antiviral potential and protects against common cold and flu.
These benefits make garlic a valuable addition to a balanced diet, contributing to overall health and disease prevention. But, we would like to make it clear that garlic alone can not guarantee health benefits like cancer prevention, better heart and bone health, plus weight loss. An individual should always combine it with other lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and quitting harmful social habits like smoking, alcohol, and recreational drug abuse, etc.
A false social media post also claims that garlic is a fake food.
Can garlic act as a natural Viagra?
No, not exactly. While garlic has numerous health benefits, including improving blood flow and cardiovascular health, there is no strong scientific evidence to support the claim that it can significantly enhance sexual performance or act as a substitute for Viagra. A study with 49 older men shows that a medicine containing six natural ingredients, namely, aged garlic extract, ginseng, oriental bezoar, velvet antler, cuscuta seed and epimedium herb can improve erectile function. Some animal studies suggest that garlic may improve blood flow and reduce arterial stiffness, but these effects are not comparable to the mechanisms by which Viagra works.
Can garlic cure erectile dysfunction?
No, garlic cannot cure erectile dysfunction. ED is a complex condition with various underlying causes, including physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors. Garlic may contribute to overall cardiovascular health, which can indirectly impact erectile function. But remember, it is not a cure for ED. Effective treatments for ED involve a thorough medical evaluation and may include lifestyle changes, medication, therapy, or other medical interventions. Taking undue advantage of insecurities regarding ED and penis size, the social media is full of home remedies to enlarge penis size and cure ED. However, there’s no evidence that a supplement can increase penis size after attaining adulthood. So, don’t be swayed away by these false claims.
What does an expert say?
We sought expert opinion from Dr Amit Harshana, Senior Consultant Physician, Infectious Diseases and HIV Specialist at Akeso Health Clinic, New Delhi. He says, “Garlic is often seen as an aphrodisiac, which means it might help boost libido and sexual desire. However, it’s important to understand that garlic is not comparable to Viagra, a medical treatment specifically designed to address erectile dysfunction by targeting specific physiological mechanisms. Other foods like dark chocolate, oysters, and nuts are also considered aphrodisiacs. While these foods can support sexual health, they do not replace medical treatments for ED. For those experiencing erectile dysfunction, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.”
What causes erectile dysfunction?
Erectile dysfunction can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Physical Health Conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and heart disease.
- Psychological Factors: Stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.
- Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and poor diet.
- Medications: Some medications for other health conditions can cause ED as a side effect.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Low levels of testosterone or other hormonal issues.
What is the fastest way to cure ED?
The fastest way to address erectile dysfunction involves a combination of approaches:
- Medical Consultation: Seek professional medical advice to determine the underlying cause of ED.
- Medications: Prescription medications like Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), or Levitra (vardenafil) can provide quick relief.
- Lifestyle Changes: Improving diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can help improve ED.
- Psychological Support: Counselling or therapy can be beneficial, especially if psychological factors contribute to ED.
In conclusion, even though garlic is a healthy addition to your diet, it is not a substitute for proven medical treatments for erectile dysfunction. Garlic can act as an aphrodisiac but it is not a natural Viagra. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for ED. We recommend caution and thorough research before relying on health advice from social media.
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