Garlic consumption has been shown to have numerous fantastic health benefits for the body. Read on…
health
Garlic isn’t just great for enhancing the flavour of your favourite dishes - it can be good for your health too. Garlic has been part of the kitchens for centuries. Savoury, pungent, and indescribably tasty, garlic has long delighted people’s taste buds with its bright, aromatic punch of flavour. This small root vegetable belongs to the onion genus Allium and adds depth and dimension to more dishes than anyone has time to name. Garlic comes from an edible plant, and we typically cook with the small cloves inside the bulb of the plant. This herb has curative and medicinal properties because of its antibacterial and antiseptic nature. It is rich in minerals like phosphorus, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. Vitamins C, K, Folate, niacin and thiamine also are found abundantly in garlic. Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years. The original Olympic athletes in Ancient Greece were given garlic – possibly the earliest example of ‘performance enhancing’ agents used in sports. From Ancient Egypt, garlic spread to the advanced ancient civilizations of the Indus Valley (Pakistan and western India today). From there, it made its way to China. Its bang-for-your-buck flavour and versatility have made it a staple ingredient, both raw and cooked, in most cuisines around the world. Garlic consumption has been shown to have numerous fantastic health benefits for the body. Read on…
It’s nutrient-dense - It provides an impressive number and amount of nutrients relative to its low-calorie count, making it a nutrient-dense ingredient. By consuming garlic, you’ll treat your body to some key nutrients such as manganese, vitamin B6, zinc, sulphur, iron, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and more.
Boosts immunity - Who knew boosting your immunity could be as simple as eating more garlic? Your body’s immunity is what keeps it from getting sick in the first place, and it also aids in the fight against illness when the situation calls for it. Garlic offers an immune system boost to help prevent colds and the flu virus. According to one study involving 41,000 women between the ages of 55 and 69, those who routinely ate garlic, fruits and vegetables had a 35 per cent lower colon cancer risk.
Works as an anti-inflammatory - Research has shown that garlic oil works as an anti-inflammatory. If you have sore and inflamed joints or muscles, rub garlic oil on them. It is even recommended to those with arthritis as it helps prevent cartilage damage.
Improves heart health - Garlic can have a positive impact on your arteries and blood pressure. Researchers believe red blood cells turn the sulphur in garlic into hydrogen sulphide gas. That expands our blood vessels, making it easier to regulate blood pressure. Before putting your blood pressure medication away, though, consult your doctor to see if adding more garlic to your diet could be beneficial for you.
Clears up skin - Garlic’s antibacterial properties and antioxidants can clear up your skin by killing acne-causing bacteria. One study shows rubbing raw garlic over pimples can clear them away. Beware, though, that garlic could cause a burning sensation on your skin. Consult your dermatologist first before trying this technique, especially if you’re using any other skin care products.
Protects your food - Those same antibacterial properties in fresh garlic can kill the bacteria that lead to food poisoning, including Salmonella and E.coli. Don’t use garlic as a substitute for proper food sanitation and food handling, though.
May prevent Alzheimer’s and Dementia - Garlic has high antioxidants, which help prevent any oxidative damage from occurring in your body. These antioxidant properties can help prevent certain cognitive diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s. However, take this one with a pinch of garlic. Taking high doses of garlic supplements, however, does not mean that you will be immune to the disease. The medicinal properties of garlic can only improve health to a certain point.
Roasted in olive oil, it melts in your mouth like butter. Chopped and raw, it tastes pungent and sharp. In oil form, it can soothe sore muscles. You can even make tea from garlic. No matter how you use it, garlic offers significant benefits - in addition to being delicious!
Garlic Bread - I don’t think anyone out there can resist garlic bread. It’s buttery and slightly cheesy, thanks to the sprinkle of parmesan and goes with everything.
Garlic and Parsley Fries - There is no better way to dress up French fries than with parsley and garlic.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes - Since we clearly have a thing for garlicky potatoes, here’s another exceptional side dish that’s silky, flavourful, and buttery to boot.
Pan-roasted Chicken with Lemon-Garlic Green Beans - Few cloves of garlic make this bird out-of-this-world flavourful.
Linguine with Cherry Tomato Sauce - For this quick, warm-weather pasta dish, sliced garlic and sweet cherry tomatoes burst with flavour when tossed with linguine.
