Garlic has a reputation for bad breath, but it has a lot to offer on the immune and digestive level. The therapeutic benefits of garlic are exceptional. In numerous in vitro studies, garlic has been shown to be effective against bacteria, viruses and fungi.
IDENTITY RECORD
Name : Garlic
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Scientific name : Allium sativum
Varieties: Blanc de Lomagne, Cherrueix, Fumé d’Arleux, Rose de Lautrec, Rose du Var, Rose de Brignoles, Violet de Cadours
Caloric value: 135 kcal / 100 g
High season: July – May (calendar)
Producers: China, Argentina, Spain, Netherlands, France
France: Midi-Pyrénées, Brittany, North, Auvergne, PACA
Storage: one week in the refrigerator, several weeks at room temperature (dry)
Want some good advice in these troubled times? Use garlic in all your recipes ! Oh yes, even the desserts? Cut up raw garlic and add it to your salads, fish and meats or consume it as a supplement. Indeed, the benefits of garlic can fight against all kinds of infections and protects against viruses, cancer.
Garlic has long been a grandmother’s remedy to prevent colds. This is not surprising given its nutritional richness. Garlic contains more than 15 amino acids, more than 30 sulfur compounds and eight distinct mineral salts (calcium, germanium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, selenium and zinc).
It is rich in vitamins A, B and C and contains, in addition, substances at the base ofallicin. Allicin is an active compound that helps relieve symptoms associated with sinus and respiratory tract infection.
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But beware, some of its compounds are heat sensitive, it is therefore advisable not to cook them excessively and to crush them well, so that these various compounds mix.
The benefits of garlic for immunity
In numerous in vitro studies on all kinds of pathologies, ranging from the common cold to cancer, garlic has been shown to effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The problem is that most of these studies have remained at the in vitro stage or on rats, without actually being validated on humans. It is therefore not yet clear which compounds in garlic act or for what purpose: there is a good chance that they act in synergy.
Garlic aids digestion by promoting development of intestinal flora, thanks to inulin, a probiotic that it naturally contains. Also known for its deworming properties, garlic helps fight intestinal parasites and treats certain diseases of the digestive system.
From the lily family like chives and onion (but also tulip and lily of the valley), garlic is a vegetable often used as a condiment to spice up dishes and has a strong smell. He is originally from Central Asia. It is low in calories.
Its particular smell comes from its bulb rich in allicin, a sulphurous essence which constitutes a natural antibiotic. This compound is also an antiseptic against the bites of insects and other predators. Definitely, difficult to be exhaustive when you count the benefits of garlic… And it is not finished.
Garlic and its other virtues
Garlic has countless health benefits:
- Garlic is a natural remedy for skin marks indelicate. A slice of garlic cloves naturally treat acne pimples. It is also used to disinfect and treat wounds.
- Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help relieve the discomfort of flare-ups. psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease.
- Garlic is an effective antifungal drug for treating yeast infection. It would also treat athlete’s foot and eliminate itching.
- It strengthens the immune system and is effective in fighting colds and flu. Excellent expectorant in case of bronchitis, it also helps fight against bacteria responsible for ENT diseases.
- Cure for angina it enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics chemicals and helps eliminate some of their side effects.
- Garlic thins the blood and prevents the formation of clots, it is particularly indicated in cases of arterial hypertension.
- Taken on a regular basis, it would help prevent stomach cancer, colon and rectum thanks to its antioxidant composition.
- Good cure for diabetes, it reduces the level of glucose in the blood.
- It is beneficial in combating Hair loss thanks to the allicin it contains.
How to choose garlic and store it?
Garlic is an aromatic plant that can be found in various forms in size, color, flavor, and even smell. We find more than 700 varieties, white, pink, purple… Grown in spring or autumn, garlic is available all year round on the stalls and its peak season is between August and December.
To make the right choice we examine its head, it must be well curved, its pods must be without spots and firm to the touch. The garlic is fresh when the small green sprouts do not protrude beyond the pod. If so, this is the right one.
Read also:
The virtues of onion for health
The amazing benefits of garlic against viruses and bacteria
The benefits of shallots against allergies
The slimming benefits of leeks
Due to its resistance, dry garlic can keep for 6 months even a year if kept in an appropriate environment: dry, dark or in the open. You can use a terracotta vase with holes for this. However, when the garlic is fresh, it can be kept for a few days in the crisper of the refrigerator.
In cooking, garlic is a essential ingredient which lends itself to many preparations. It is often used to enhance the taste of cooked dishes or to season meats. It can be crumbled in a garlic press or in strips, sautéed over high heat until golden brown. Or in a shirt, we keep the garlic tunic and put it in the oven. It is then obtained melting and with a milder taste.
Garlic restores flavor to dishes whether in fried vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, zucchini, etc.), pasta, salad, dressings and sauces, soups, etc.
Garlic tea recipe
Ingredients
- 1 organic garlic clove
- ½ lemon or lime juice
- Raw organic honey
Preperation
- We cut an organic garlic clove very finely.
- Then we boil a cup of water.
- Then we place the small pieces of garlic in a cup.
- Then pour hot water over the garlic and cover the cup with a small plate.
- For 10 minutes we let stand.
- And we add the lemon juice.
- Finally we add honey and we help ourselves.
