It is a nutrient-dense, pungent bulb from the onion family used globally for cooking and medicinal purposes, often considered a potent immune booster.
garlic is promoted as a dietary supplement for various purposes, including helping to manage high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes preventing various types of cancer; and enhancing immune function. Garlic may also be applied to skin
table of contents
Brief history of garlic
Garlic belongs to the genus Allium and has close ties with the onion, rakkyo, which is an onion from Asia, scallion, chive, leek, and shallot. Humans have used it for thousands of years, and it has been popular in ancient Egypt for both culinary purposes and its health and therapeutic benefits.
What is the healthiest way to eat garlic?
A person may receive the most benefits from eating raw garlic. However, cooked garlic can also offer a wide range of possible health benefits, and some individuals may find this easier to eat than raw garlic.
Health benefits of garlic
They are highly nutritious but with a few calories
Garlic is incredibly nutritious. It is a good source of several nutrients, such as:manganese , vitamin B6 vitamin C and selenium
Garlic is low in calories and rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients.
It reduce the risk of blood sugar
Taking garlic powder by mouth seems to reduce pre-meal blood sugar levels by a small amount in people with or without diabetes. It seems to work best if it is taken for at least 3 months. It’s unclear if garlic reduces post-meal blood sugar levels .
Garlic supplements may reduce blood sugar to a small extent in people with diabetes.
It have antibiotic properties
Garlic contains allicin, which acts as an antibiotic. It releases allicin when a person chops or crushes it.
Garlic may be effective against antibiotic-resistant organisms. Consuming garlic may help protect against these organisms and help manage bacterial infections.
High blood pressure
Taking garlic by mouth seems to reduce systolic blood pressure by about 7-9 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure by about 4-6 mmHg in people with high blood pressure.
Limited evidence suggests that garlic supplements may reduce blood pressure to a small extent in people who have high blood pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory properties
Garlic has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation throughout the body and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
How to use garlic
Crush or Chop Before swallowing, crush or chop the garlic and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting period allows the enzymatic reaction to occur, maximizing allicin.
Use Garlic Supplements
If the taste or digestive discomfort is an issue, consider taking garlic supplements. These can provide many benefits of raw garlic without the strong taste or potential for digestive upset. Look for supplements that specify allicin content to ensure potency.
Cooking technique
While cooking can reduce some of the allicin content, garlic still retains many of its beneficial properties. Roasted, sautéed, or boiled garlic can be a delicious addition to various dishes while providing health benefits.
Learn more on health benefits related article
health benefits of consuming eggs
health benefits of garden eggs
Summary
Garlic is a popular cooking ingredient that have good health benefits. These can include reducing of common cold symptoms, helping manage cholesterol and blood pressure, boosting heart health, and reducing the risk of liver injury.
Garlic may also offer antibiotic and support bone health, reduce the likelihood of memory problems, and aid in weight management.
