Garlic has had a long-running reputation of causing bad breath and repelling vampires. But did you know that garlic is one of the healthiest natural foods that you can incorporate into your diet?
Originating in central Asia, garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants on earth, first utilized by the ancient Egyptians to build endurance and strength. Later, the ancient Greeks fed garlic to their athletes before competing in the first Olympic games. Sulfur-rich foods, like garlic, are excellent sources of vitamin B6, manganese, vitamin C, and selenium.
In a recent medical study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers found that it boosts the human body’s natural supply of hydrogen sulfide, which acts as an antioxidant and transmits signals that increase blood flow and relaxes blood vessels.
Garlic is one of the oldest medicinal herbs, providing natural antimicrobial support. Garlic provides dietary support for the heart, high triglycerides and as a possible factor in raising the good HDL-cholesterol. It’s an antioxidant and a good source of vitamin A, beta carotene, and over 400 other carotenes.
Tips for Preparing and Cooking Garlic
- Buy raw garlic that is plump, fresh, and has unbroken skin
- After cutting garlic, wait 10-15 minutes before cooking or eating to maximize allicin production
- Chop or cut garlic cloves prior to heating to avoid deactivating enzymes
- Add garlic to recipes at the end of cooking to retain maximum flavor and nutrition
- Heat garlic in oil at 250-degrees Fahrenheit or lower to preserve health-protective compounds
Easy Garlic Recipe Ideas
Dr. David W. Kraus, an associate professor at the University of Alabama, noted that most medical studies about garlic required participants to eat about two-medium sized cloves per day. Although that may sound like a lot, it isn’t that difficult if you incorporate garlic into your regular recipes. Here are a few easy garlic recipe ideas to try:
- Homemade hummus dip with garbanzo beans, tahini, olive oil, lemon, and garlic
- Sauteed spinach with garlic and freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- Curry with eggplant, snow peas, peppers, garlic, and rice
- Mashed potatoes with garlic and olive oil
- Salad with shrimp, asparagus, tomatoes, and garlic
In spite of the well-established health benefits of garlic, some people simply can’t endure the taste and smell of it. If this describes you, there are other ways that you can still reap the benefits of this powerful food. One great supplement to try is our Carrot and Garlic 500 mg capsules, which provide the benefits of both raw organic vegetables in a highly concentrated form. Try taking 1-3 capsules per day for natural antimicrobial support, antioxidant support, and dietary support for a healthy heart.