For thousands of years, garlic has been looked upon as a natural cure for everything from the common cold to lowering high levels of unhealthy cholesterol, and for good reason. Although some find the smell of garlic somewhat offensive, the health benefits seem endless.
In 1858 Louis Pasture discovered that when bacterial cells were saturated with garlic oil, the cells died. Since then scientific testing has shown that not only is it a powerful anti-bacterial agent but that daily consumption of garlic can help the body in the prevention of minor infections and cancer. Garlic also reduces the risk of blood clots forming and causing stroke or heart attack.
The ingredient that makes garlic such a medical powerhouse is called Allicin, a strong smelling sulphur compound. The Allicin however, is not released until garlic is cut or chopped and loses most of its nutritional value when it is cooked. To get the most out of eating garlic it is best eaten raw or added to recipes at the end of the cooking process.
Here are just a few ways that Garlic can keep us healthy.
- Garlic helps to improve the immune system, allowing the body to conserve the antioxidants it needs to ward off germs and infection. This gives the body a better defense against the common cold
- Garlic acts much like Asprin in its ability to thin the blood. Thinning the blood helps to prevent clotting, thus reducing the risk of heart disease, hypertension and stroke. .
- Because of its ability to increase blood circulation, Garlic is helpful in many cases of impotence
- Garlic lowers the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and raises the levels of HDL (good cholesterol) in our bodies.
Italian and Spanish garlic are the two most common types available in grocery stores. Italian Garlic has large white heads. Each head contains about 15 cloves and has a very mild taste. Spanish Garlic is a little smaller, contains more cloves and has a slightly purple tinge to it. Tahitian (Elephant Garlic) is also available but the looks are more impressive than the taste. Although the cloves are very large, the taste can be bland and the texture spongy. Look for heads that are firm and have a dry papery skin. Avoid buying garlic that has any green sprouts.
Garlic keeps longer when kept in a cool dry spot, but not in the refrigerator. Under good conditions, fresh Garlic can keep for months.
In order to get maximum results, Garlic must be planted before frost in the fall. It sets roots and then rests over the winter. The plants begin growing again in the spring and are usually ready for harvesting in late summer.
Interesting Garlic Facts
- In the middle ages, garlic was worn around the neck to protect against werewolves and hung above doorways to guard against evil spirits. .
- The Vikings ate large amounts of garlic before going out on expeditions, to boost their spirits and energy. .
- Garlic was found in the tomb of Tutankhamen
- European soldiers prevented infection by putting garlic directly on their wounds during World War I.