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The Humble Garlic: A Culinary and Medicinal Powerhouse
Also known as Allium sativum, garlic is a significant
relative of onion and leeks and an indispensable part of many world kitchens.
However, most people are unaware that garlic is more than an excellent
seasoning that enriches the taste of food; this bulb has a rich history of
medical applications. The beauty and prowess of garlic in the history of man’s
exploration, from the Egyptians to the present day researchers are melody
making health benefits.
This articles provides a closer look into the chemistry and
physics of the staple, analysing the scientific proof that may support the
several health benefits of garlic consumption, as well as the proper ways of
preparing this wonderful food.
Nutritional Powerhouse of Garlic
This attribute of Garlic and its implications on health are as a result of a sulfur-containing compounds known as alliinase enzymes. When garlic is crushed or chopped, the above-mentioned enzymes mix with alliin which is another compound found in garlic. This reaction stems the formation of alicin, the most active and best researched compound in garlic, which is primarily for the smell of garlic and major health benefits. However in contact with air and through enzymatic reactions, allicin decomposes into other effective sulfur containing compounds like ajoene and disulphides. These various byproducts explain the fact that garlic performs such a myriad of health functions.
Effects of Garlic on Heart Health.
One of the many areas that have been explored significantly
with regard to garlic’s antithrombotic action is the influence on the heart
health. Scientific research indicates that knowing how to use garlic could
reduce hypertension- a potent risk factor for heart disease. The rationale
behind this is thought to be related to the capacity of garlic to dilate blood
vessels to give adequate circulation and to reduce the workload on the heart.
Furthermore, it also assists in reducing the LDL cholesterol or the averse form
of cholesterol as well as increasing the HDL, the friendly form of cholesterol.
Boosting the Immune System: Garlic has a defense mechanism
Garlic could be expected to be effective in preventing the
onset of the universal cold since it has been a traditional medicine remedy on
the common cold. Another study which has been conducted to show the benefits of
blond-red, cells which constitute the white blood cells that help the body
fight infections. Also, some authors argue that garlic can reduce the magnitude
and the incidence of colds and also shorten the duration of anyone experiencing
them.
Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties of Garlic
Research conducted have proven garlic to possess
antibacterial and antifungal activities. Garlic compound called allicin holds
the credit of being responsible for many health benefits associated with garlic
and this substance also shows good antimicrobial activity against number of
bacteria and fungi species including few bacteria and fungi which are resistant
to antibiotics. It might be useful for protecting against infections and for
healing in some cases as well.
Other Possibilities for Positive Outcome
More research has been conducted in the area of health benefits of garlic tho there have been recent findings directed towards other possible uses of this herb.
Here is a brief look into a few promising
conceivable outcomes:
- Cognitive health: Some researchers found that garlic
possesses the function of antioxidants and it may potentially alleviate impact
of senile dementia.
- Detoxification:
This is good news for your body because garlic might just assist the body in
ridding itself of such toxins as lead and mercury.
- Athletic
performance: So for performance, there is some evidence to suggest that garlic
can contribute together with boosting anti-fatigue and stimulating recovery.
- Cancer
prevention: However there are several studies which show that garlic has
certain characteristics that make it an effective element against cancer.
How garlic can be incorporated in the diet to get the most benefit to the body.
For the best health benefits however, it is necessary to ensure formation of allicin since this gives optimal levels of the phytonutrients.
Here are some tips:
- Crush or
chop garlic cloves: This brings into play the alliinase enzyme that catalyses
the rate at which the compound alliin forms allicin. However, it should be
noted that to allow more time for the production of allicin, the chopped garlic
should be left to stand for 10-15 minutes before being used.
- Consume
garlic raw or lightly cooked: For this reason, raw or lightly boiled garlic is
much richer in allicin content that the over cooked one.
- Use fresh garlic: With regards to garlic powder or
pre-chopped garlic, it had been also seen that they have low allicin content as
volatile compounds are lost. Beyond the Clove: Dietary diversification is a
universal trend, and garlic has made this option available to people in
different forms to enhance their meals.
It is also important to consider the presentation of garlic in human consumption, which goes beyond including the raw and cooked types.
Here are some options to consider:
- Garlic
powder: A very advantageous form that still provides some of the beneficial
nutrients of raw garlic but perhaps not as effective as the real thing.of
garlic revealed that it can help boost the immune system through increasing
- Garlic
supplements: These are commonly sold as capsules, tablets, and aged garlic
extract; the highest potency products provide the same compound but are not
likely to supply the full amount of potential benefits of fresh garlic.
- Black
garlic: Raw garlic has a sharper taste while fermented garlic cloves have a
milder taste than raw garlic and they may be richer in antioxidants.
Adding Garlic to Your Diet: Both tasty and useful
It is used in many dishes and can be prepared in so many forms of cooking as a seasoning or as the main ingredient.
Here are some ideas:
- Try using
fresh garlic by mincing or chopping and then incorporating with stir-fry
dishes, soup, stews and sauces.
- To
prepare the garlic cloves you can roast them for spreadable and more tender
munch.
- Self
marinating – simply place a few cloves of garlic inside a bottle of olive oil
and let it steep to produce a flavorful extract to use in dressings or
marinades.
- Have
garlic cloves roasted and enjoy the delicious dish as a side dish.
- For
vegetables, toss garlic powder before cooking in the water.
Potential hazards and Precautions to be taken/ Side effects
Garlic is thought to be unsafe for only a small group of
people: for those who are allergic; in some magnitude above the culinary; when
treated with certain preservatives; and for babies under 1 year old. But some
persons may suffer some effects as for instance heartburns, nausea, or even bad
breath. Garlic supplements can also pose certain side effects; large doses can
cause the risk of bleeding as well as can cause problems with those people who
are having blood thinning medications. Large doses of garlic supplements can be
unhealthy and therefore it is advisable to seek the advise of a health care
provider before taking large doses of garlic supplements.
Conclusion: A Flavour Enhancer and Taste Booster A Mini Encyclopedia of the Culinary and Medicinal Uses of Spices
You will discover that garlic is not just a condiment but a
nutritional product with a unique taste. This makes it a rich source of
nutritional and pharmacological agents with a time-honored pharmacological
impact. Listing all the health benefits of garlic would take ages, but some of
the benefits that can be derived include; // This shows that garlic is one such
food with the following uses; Provision of heart health, Immune system a boost,
Body odor and insects’ repellent among others. Therefore, to harness the
benefits of this simplest but potent ingredient, there are certain ways in
which easiest can incorporate it safely into your diet plan.