Garlic

Benefits

Drawbacks

• May help lower high blood pressure and elevated blood cholesterol
• May prevent or fight certain cancers
• Antiviral and antibacterial properties
• Can alleviate nasal congestion

• Causes bad breath
• Can cause indigestion
• Direct contact irritates the skin and mucus membrane

Ginger

Benefits

Drawbacks

• May prevent motion sickness
• Can help to quell nausea

• Raw and candied ginger may irritate oral tissue or other mucous membranes

Grains

  Benefits

  Drawbacks

• Excellent source of starchy carbohydrates and dietary fiber
• Good source of niacin, riboflavin, and other vitamins

• Incomplete source of protein 

Grapefruit

Benefits

Drawbacks

• High in vitamin C and potassium
• Pink and red contain beta carotene and lycopene, powerful antioxidants
• Contain bioflavonoid and other plant chemicals that protect against cancer and heart disease

• Can provoke an allergic reaction in people sensitive to citrus fruits
• Juice from grapefruit can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications

Grapes

Benefits

Drawbacks

• High in pectin and bioflavonoid
• Have phytochemicals that may reduce risk for heart disease, cancer and strokes
• Fair source of iron and potassium
• Low-calorie snack/dessert

• Can be problem for sulfite-sensitive people
• Natural salicylates may provoke an allergic response

Guavas

Benefits

Drawbacks

• Excellent source of Vitamin C
• High in pectin and other types of soluble dietary fiber
• Fair amounts of potassium and iron

• Fresh fruit can be expensive and not always widely available