Garlic certainly has a reputation for causing bad breath, but it has a lot to offer. on the immune level and on the 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 SHEET
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
Peak 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)
Do you want good advice during these troubled times? Add garlic to all your recipes ! Oh yes, even desserts? Chop raw garlic and add it to your salads, fish and meats or consume it as a supplement. Indeed, the benefits of garlic help fight against all kinds of infections and protect against viruses and 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 acidsmore 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 also contains substances at the base ofallicin. Allicin is an active compound that helps relieve symptoms related to sinus and respiratory tract infections.
But be careful, some of its compounds are sensitive to heatit is therefore advisable not to overcook them 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 colds to cancers, 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 being really validated on humans. We therefore do not yet know precisely which compounds in garlic act or for what purpose: there is a strong chance that they act synergistically.
Garlic facilitates digestion by promoting development of intestinal florathanks to inulin, a probiotic it naturally contains. Also known for its deworming properties, garlic helps fight intestinal parasites and treats certain diseases of the digestive system.
From the liliaceae 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. It is native to Central Asia. It is low in calories.
Its particular smell comes from its bulb rich in allicin, a sulfurous essence which constitutes a natural antibiotic. This compound also constitutes an antiseptic against the bites of insects and other predators. Clearly, it’s difficult to be exhaustive when you count the benefits of garlic… And it’s not over.
Garlic and its other virtues
Garlic has countless health benefits:
- Garlic is a natural remedy against skin marks indelicate. A slice of garlic clove helps treat acne spots naturally. It is also used to disinfect and treat wounds.
- Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help relieve the discomfort of flare-ups. psoriasisan inflammatory skin disease.
- Garlic is an effective antifungal agent for treating mycoses. 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 cases of bronchitis, it also helps fight against the bacteria responsible for ENT diseases.
- Remedy 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 high blood pressure.
- Taken regularly, it would contribute to prevent stomach cancercolon and rectum thanks to its antioxidant composition.
- Good cure for diabetesit reduces blood glucose levels.
- 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 found in various forms in size, color, flavor and even smell. We find more than 700 varietieswhite, pink, purple… Cultivated 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. Garlic is fresh when little green sprouts do not exceed the pod. If so, it’s the right one.
Read also:
The health benefits of onions
The surprising benefits of garlic against viruses and bacteria
The benefits of shallots against allergies
The slimming benefits of leek
Due to its resistance, dry garlic can keep for 6 months or even a year if it is kept in an appropriate environment: dry, protected from light or in the open air. For this, you can use a terracotta vase with holes. However, when garlic is fresh, it can be kept for a few days in the vegetable drawer 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 with a garlic press or into strips, fried over high heat until golden brown. Or in a shirt, we then keep the garlic coat and put it in the oven. We then obtain it melting and with a milder taste.
Garlic restores flavor to dishes whether in fried vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini, etc.), pasta, salad, vinaigrettes and sauces, soups, etc.
Garlic herbal tea recipe
Ingredients
- 1 clove of organic garlic
- Juice ½ lemon or lime
- Raw organic honey
Preparation
- We cut a clove of organic garlic very finely.
- Then we boil a cup of water.
- Then we place the small pieces of garlic in a cup.
- Then pour the hot water over the garlic and cover the cup with a small plate.
- Leave to rest for 10 minutes.
- And we add the lemon juice.
- Finally we add honey and serve ourselves.
