Garlic has been a staple ingredient in many kitchens due to its strong and distinctive aroma. However, it is not only its flavor that makes it so popular as eating garlic also has many health benefits. Garlic is very versatile and can be used either raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. In this article, we will look at the best ways to consume and receive all the health benefits of garlic.
The Health Benefits of Garlic
Before we get into the best ways of eating garlic, let’s look at why consuming it is so good for your health. Firstly, garlic has strong antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties that help keep your immune system running properly. It also helps lower blood pressure, which reduces your chances of developing heart disease. Some studies have also shown that garlic can improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin, which is good news for diabetics. Garlic is also full of antioxidants, which help fight oxidative stress. Eating garlic is also known to promote healthy skin and hair, as well as stimulate digestion. It seems like there are endless reasons to include garlic in your diet, so let’s find out what the best ways are to consume it.
Eating Raw Garlic
It has been suggested that one of the best ways to eat garlic is raw on an empty stomach. Eating garlic this way is said to come with several benefits, including promoting heart health and lowering cholesterol levels. These benefits are due to the properties of a compound found in garlic called allicin, which has blood-thinning and cholesterol-reducing properties. To experience the health benefits of garlic, simply consume a couple of cloves of raw garlic with some water in the morning. Some people also add a few drops of honey to their raw garlic. The reason that people choose to eat garlic raw is because allicin gets diluted when you cook it. So, if you want to manage your diabetes or improve your heart health, this is the method for you!
Roasted Garlic
This has got to be one of the tastiest ways of eating garlic while also preserving some of its health benefits. First, expose the cloves by cutting off the top of the garlic bulb. Then, drizzle some olive oil over the bulb and wrap it in foil. Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) and then roast the garlic for around half an hour. You will know they are done when they become golden in color and soft to the touch. Let the garlic cool down, then squeeze all that goodness out of the bulb skin and use it as you please!
Garlic Tea
Have you ever tried drinking garlic tea before? This method provides a milder taste while providing the many health benefits of garlic. It is also a very convenient method compared to cooking as it can be done quickly and with minimal ingredients. Just smash one clove of garlic and add it to a pan along with a cup of water. Bring the tea to a boil and then add half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Let the tea brew for a couple of minutes and turn off the heat source. Then, pour the garlic tea into a cup and add half a teaspoon of lemon juice and one teaspoon of honey. You can adjust the amounts of cinnamon, honey, and lemon juice to better suit your personal taste.
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Garlic Stew
Crushed or minced garlic can be added to a variety of dishes, including soups, stir-fries, curries, and stews. To make a garlic stew, add four cloves of garlic, one teaspoon of butter, one chopped onion, a few peppercorns, and a touch of parley into a pressure cooker. Add one chicken breast chopped into cubes along with three cups of water and some minced ginger. Slow-cook the stew in the pressure cooker until it has whistled around three to four times. Then serve it while still hot along with a few choice coriander leaves. While a delicious option, cooking garlic does reduce the potency of allicin and its associated health benefits.
Garlic Supplements
While eating garlic raw and cooked are great ways to reap the health benefits of garlic, they do have certain drawbacks, such as the dreaded “garlic breath” that accompanies you on a night out despite having brushed your teeth. However, one way you can receive all the benefits without the associated odor on your breath is by consuming garlic supplements. These supplements have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels and combat oxidative stress.
The Bottom Line
The health benefits of garlic can be enjoyed by consuming it raw, cooked, in tea, or as a supplement. If you are looking for a balance of taste and benefits, then roasted or stewed garlic is most likely going to be your preference. However, if you want to reap all of the health benefits, then eating garlic raw or in supplement form is probably the best way to go. Why not try a combination of both? Perhaps you can start your day with some raw garlic on an empty stomach and then add some to a cooked meal in the evening.
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