Garlic is from the same family as onions and shallots. It was traditionally used for health purposes by people in many parts of the world, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese. Garlic gets its health benefits from the release of sulfur compounds upon chopping, dicing, or chowing. Garlic is rich in vitamins B-6, C, and magnesium. Garlic may help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It is rich in antioxidants and acts similarly to an antibiotic.