Garlic is good for your health
THE rich and unique flavour of garlic adds depth to salads, dips, curries, stir-fries and other dishes. Garlic is also good for your heath.
The Ancient Egyptians used garlic to treat wounds, infections, tumours and intestinal parasites.
In Ancient China, garlic was considered a useful guard against impotency. In Medieval Europe, it was used as a remedy for bronchitis, colds, coughs, fevers, sore throats and infections.
Healing power
Garlic’s healing power comes from allicin, a biologically active component that is created when garlic cloves are cut or crushed.
Allicin kills bacteria, fungi and viruses that cause infections and illnesses.
Garlic also lowers “bad” (LDL) cholesterol, while raising the “good” (HDL) kind. This helps to boost heart health and regulate blood pressure.
Furthermore, garlic has a blood sugar lowering effect which is helpful to diabetics. New research indicates it may also be useful for fighting depression, carcinogenic troubles and pregnancy complications.
To get the full health benefits from garlic, buy fresh bulbs rather than pre-peeled cloves. As garlic begins to lose its beneficial properties once it is cut, use garlic immediately after cleaning and chopping it.
Homemade aioli
Not keen on cooking but love garlic? Make your own aioli, a garlic mayonnaise popular in Mediterranean cuisine, by crushing four fat cloves of garlic and mixing it with eight tablespoons of mayonnaise and a sprinkling of salt.
If you’re feeling indulgent, add a teaspoon of dried or fresh oregano. Serve with crisps, French fries, carrot spears, cucumber slices, or serve on the side with roast chicken.
Afterwards, get rid of garlicky fingers by rubbing them with the pulp of a lemon, then rinsing with water. Get rid of garlic breath by brushing your teeth and then chewing some fresh parsley. Strong coffee also helps disguise the smell.