Garlic is incredibly nutritious and contains very few calories. It contains Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and manganese, among other things. A little bit of everything we need. Garlic is known to boost the function of the immune system. In addition, garlic can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure and can help with healthy cholesterol levels. Garlic contains antioxidants that may help prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. In addition to its physical and mental benefits, it is, of course, a great seasoning for most of us! Want to know more about what garlic can do for us? Then read on soon!
What exactly is garlic?
Any idea how garlic grows? Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant in the narcissus family and belongs to the same genus (Allium) as onion, leek and chives. The entire “head” is called the garlic bulb and each segment is called a clove. Garlic is a bulbous crop and grows in well-drained soil and in full sun in many parts of the world. The papyrus Ebers in Egypt mentioned garlic 3500 years ago. Workers building the pyramids were fed garlic because it was said to give strength. In addition, garlic was already prescribed as medicine in ancient Greece. “Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food.” These are famous words of the physician of ancient Greece, Hippocrates. He was one of the doctors who prescribed garlic to treat medical conditions.
The working properties of garlic
Do you love garlic and can’t get enough? Garlic contains allicin, a substance with powerful medicinal properties. The thing that causes the beneficial health effect is the sulfur compounds that are formed when a clove is chopped, pressed or chewed. This sulfur compound is also responsible for the garlic smell. Garlic is very good for several things in the human body. Keep in mind that you need a high dosage for desired effect. Only an occasional clove through your food would not be enough. A clove of garlic contains 2% manganese, 2% vitamin B6 and 1% vitamin C of the RDA! Great right? To have such a delicious addition to your dish and to supplement the vitamins and minerals!
Garlic as a supplement?
After reading this, are you planning to use garlic as a supplement? Adding garlic to a varied, balanced diet can help you. For example, you can do this with Kyolic aged Japanese garlic, which you take one of every day. It is a Japanese naturally aged garlic. Its high quality is determined by the raw materials selected with utmost care and by the classic method of cultivation and ripening. After harvesting, Kyolic is aged for 20 months, bringing out the best in the garlic. You can take these tablets during or immediately after a meal. However, it is important to consult a doctor first if you are pregnant, lactating or taking medication.
Fresh garlic or garlic powder?
Garlic, of course, comes in a variety of forms. Fresh garlic has a mild fresh taste and is easily digestible. In addition, the day after you eat garlic you will not notice it. This is not the case with garlic powder. It has a much stronger smell because it is much more concentrated. The dried variety also does not contain the active compound like fresh garlic. Garlic powder is of course easy to use, yet fresh garlic is healthier. With fresh garlic, you also get rid of the strong smell faster. So… What do you choose?
Adding garlic to your diet?
Now that you know the benefits garlic can bring you, you can hardly find a reason not to eat garlic, you can combine garlic in countless ways in your diet. Fresh garlic is the tastiest and most effective. The active ingredient allicin is only formed when garlic is chopped or pressed. So you will always have to crush the garlic raw. Boiling garlic first and then crushing it is useless for its effectiveness. You can make a delicious dressing of garlic by crushing it with a garlic press and adding a little olive oil. Delicious on salads or in wok dishes. Not a fan of garlic, but still want to enjoy the positive effects of garlic? Then you can go for a garlic supplement.