Garlic

With just word "Garlic" we can already feel the sharp aroma and flavor in our mouth. Garlic is a world-famous ingredient for its flavor and medicinal uses. Native to China it is planted and grown in almost every country of the world. Almost 76% of garlic is grown by China. No doubt it increases the quality and taste of almost every cuisine.

Types

It comes in different varieties but we are keen to discuss most famous white one.

Why garlic smells so sharp?

A special chemical called phytochemical is responsible for this. It is not present in garlic naturally but is produced when we cut, crush, grind or chop it. During this process many Sulphur containing compounds in garlic’s cell break down. The new compounds are responsible for the sharp or hot taste and the strong aroma of garlic.

100 grams of garlic contains many nutrients. 

Minerals and Vitamins

Vit. B6                                             95% 2.3mg	Calcium                                       18%  181 mg
Folate B                                                 1% 3ɥg	Iron                                              13%   1.7 mg
Vitamin C                                      38% 31.2mg	Magnesium                                     7%   25 mg
Zinc                                                12%1.16mg	Potassium                                      9%  401 mg
Phosphorus                                    22% 153 mg	Sodium                                             1% 17 mg

 

BENEFITS OF GARLIC

Helps Boost Immune System

Garlic is well known for fighting viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Garlic has a compound Allicin that has antibacterial properties. So, garlic boost your immune system and prevents or helps to recover infectious diseases like flu, cough and cold.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Allicin in garlic inhibits angiotensin (tension in blood vessels) and thus makes the blood flow smooth. This in result reduces the risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure is associated with many other health problems like stroke, heart arrest and paralysis. So, this worldwide available vegetable is excellent for hypertensive people.

Detoxifies Heavy Metals

In this industrial world heavy metal poisoning has become very common which increases the chances of organ failure. One such poisoning is Lead poisoning. Again, the magic compound Allicin in garlic is very helpful in this regard. It reduces the signs of toxicity like headache and High BP.

Reduces Cholesterol Level

High cholesterol level is a worldwide threat today. Some people inherited it but many people’s lifestyle and diet is main cause of it. But, we can prevent it by just changing our eating habits and more specifically adding garlic in our diet.

But how does it work?

Garlic prevents bad cholesterol to join and form a thick fatty layer in the walls of arteries (blood vessels that carry blood from heart to body). It also decreases the level of Triglycerides in the blood.

Prevents Dementia and Alzheimer’s Diseases

With advanced age our brain cells (neurons) started to degenerate. This situation leads to Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Garlic has exceptional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It prevents neuron (brain cells) degeneration. In this way it prevents harm to our brain and especially parts which are responsible for building memory. Garlic promotes our brain health too and can helps to improve our memory.

Prevents Cancer

Many studies conducted in 2016 suggested that garlic has a reverse effect on digestive tract cancer. It means that if we include garlic in out diet, we are at lower risk of cancer.

Risks

Garlic with its benefits has side effects too. It can cause body odor and bad breath. Excessive amount of garlic can cause heartburn and stomach burn. Some people are allergic to garlic especially raw garlic. So, we must be careful about the amount we use in our diet.

Recipes

Garlic Spread

Ingredients:

3 Garlic heads

3 dried bay leaves

1 thyme branch

15 whole black peppercorns

1 tbsp. fennel seeds

1 tsp. red chili flakes

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt (optional)

Instructions:

Peel your garlic. Take an oven safe bowl. Place your bay leaves and thyme in it. Then add black pepper, fennel seeds, red chili flakes and extra virgin olive oil. (you can add any natural oil) Once it is done set your oven to 250 degrees. Pop your bowl in oven for two hours. Your garlic will turn brown and really tender. Take it out and let it cool for a while. You can use it in sauces, soups, sandwiches or on a toast.

It is just delicious! Ummah

 

Chinese Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

6 fresh garlic cloves (minced)

1 tbsp fresh ginger (minced)

 1/3 cup rice vinegar

1/8 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar

2 tbsp corn starch

1 tbsp sesame oil

2/3 cup soya sauce

Pinch of red chili (use more if you want spicy)

¾ cup water

Instructions:

Sautee the garlic and ginger in a sauce pan with olive oil for 15 to 30 seconds. Add water, soya sauce, rice vinegar and sugar. Heat the mixture until boiling and then reduce the heat to medium low.

Combine 1/8 cup of mixture with corn starch and then pour it into the sauce. Also add the sesame oil and red chili flakes. Cook the sauce with corn starch mixture, stirring it often until the sauce thickens.

Serve it right away. Refrigerate it after the sauce slightly cools down.

Let me know in comments about any health benefits or any interesting recipe of garlic.