Garlic is a powerful herb that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is believed that garlic consumption helps improve cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of cancer, and boost the immune system. In this blog post, we will discuss 12 health benefits of garlic that have been scientifically proven.
Garlic
Garlic is a popular herb that has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. This pungent bulb is related to onion, leeks, and chives. It contains compounds that are believed to have health-promoting properties.
Garlic compounds have been shown to be more effective than antibiotics in the treatment of urinary tract infections and some ailments.
Types of Garlic
There are two main types of garlic: hard-neck and soft-neck.
Hard neck Garlic
Hard neck garlic is characterized by a harder stalk that grows in the center of the bulb.
Soft neck
Soft neck garlic, on the other hand, has a softer stalk and is more commonly found in grocery stores. Both types of garlic have distinct flavors and health benefits.
12 Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is a highly beneficial herb that has been used for centuries in both the culinary and medicinal arts. There are many health benefits to consuming garlic, including reducing the risk of heart disease, fighting off infection, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels
Here are 12 science-backed benefits of garlic.
Boost Your Immune System
Garlic supplements may enhance immune cell function. One study showed that garlic extract increased the activity of natural killer cells, which are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.
Help Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Several studies show that garlic can help lower blood pressure.
Reduce Your Risk Of Heart Disease
Garlic supplements may reduce some risk factors for heart disease. For example, they can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels.Â
Help Detoxify Heavy Metals In The Body
Garlic intake may help remove heavy metals from the body. One study showed that garlic increased urinary excretion of lead in lead-exposed workers.
May Improve Athletic Performance
Some research suggests that garlic supplements can enhance athletic performance by increasing blood flow and reducing fatigue.
Boost Brain Function And Memory
Early research suggests that garlic may help improve memory and cognitive function. One study showed that aged rats treated with garlic had better cognitive function than those not treated with garlic.
Help Reverse Brain Damage From Lead Toxicity
Animal studies suggest that garlic can help reverse lead-induced brain damage. In one study, rats given garlic supplements had less lead in their brains and improved brain function compared to rats not given garlic.Â
Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Some evidence suggests that consuming more antioxidants, such as those found in garlic, may help reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
May Enhance Bone Health
Garlic may help improve bone health. One study showed that rats given garlic had stronger bones and a lower risk of osteoporosis than those not given garlic.
Help Reduce Your Risk Of Certain Cancers
Garlic antioxidant properties help reduce your risk of certain types of cancer, such as stomach, colon, breast, and prostate cancer. This may be due to its ability to detoxify carcinogens and boost immune function.
Help Combat Sickness
Garlic supplements may help combat sicknesses, such as the common cold or flu. One study showed that people who took a garlic supplement for 12 weeks had fewer colds and shorter cold duration than those who did not take a garlic supplement.
Help In Anti-inflammatory activity
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. While inflammation is necessary for healing, it also raises the risk of a number of serious diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
How To Preserve Garlic
If you grow your garlic or buy it in bulk, you’ll want to know how to preserve it. Garlic can be preserved in several ways. You can freeze it, dehydrate it, pickle it, or store it in oil.
Freezing Garlic
Freezing garlic is probably the easiest way to preserve it. You can simply put the cloves in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to six months. When you’re ready to use them, just take out as many cloves as you need and let them thaw on the counter for a few minutes.
Dehydrating Garlic
Dehydrating garlic is another easy way to preserve it.
- Just slice the cloves thinly and spread them out on a dehydrator tray.
- Set the dehydrator to around 125 degrees Fahrenheit and let it run until the garlic is dry and crisp. This can take anywhere from six to eight hours.
- Once it’s done, store the garlic in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Pickling garlic
Pickling garlic is another option that will give you a shelf-stable product.
- You’ll need to sterilize some jars first, then make a pickling solution with vinegar, water, salt, and spices.
- Add the garlic cloves to the jars and pour the pickling solution over them. Make sure the cloves are completely covered and seal the jars tightly.
- Store them in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks before opening so the flavors have time to develop.
Storing In Oil
Storing garlic in oil is probably the most common way to preserve it. This method will give you a shelf-stable product that you can use as needed.
- Simply peel and chop the garlic cloves and add them to a jar filled with olive oil.
- Make sure the cloves are completely covered and seal the jar tightly.
- Store it in a cool, dark place for up to six months.
There are several ways to preserve garlic. Choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy fresh garlic all year long!
