Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands of years for culinary, medicinal and spiritual purposes. Historical records indicate that the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, prescribed garlic for a wide range of conditions and illnesses like respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion and athletic performance enhancement. Garlic is revered for its many health benefits in many Asian cultures.
Garlic contains at least thirty-three sulfur compounds, several enzymes and seventeen amino acids (Reference Fenwick and Hanle)
Here are 10 mystical properties of garlic that you may not know about:
- Garlic can help prevent and treat the common cold – Studies have shown that garlic may reduce the risk of becoming sick as well as duration of sickness. It may also reduce the severity of symptoms
- Garlic can help lower blood pressure – Allicin, the main active compound in garlic, is thought to be largely responsible for garlic’s blood-pressure-lowering properties
- Garlic can help improve cholesterol levels – the best available evidence suggests that garlic, in an amount approximating one half to one clove per day, decreased total serum cholesterol levels by about 9% in the groups of patients studied (Reference PubMed)
- Garlic can help reduce the risk of heart disease – several studies have indicated that garlic and its constituents inhibit key enzymes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid synthesis
- Garlic can help protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Garlic can help treat and prevent cancer – epidemiological and animal studies have shown that consumption of garlic and its allyl sulfur compounds reduces the incidence of cancer
- Garlic can help boost the immune system – garlic is loaded with antioxidants. These are important compounds that can protect against inflammation, cell damage, and chronic disease
Garlic festivals:
If you can like garlic, there’s no better place to be than at a garlic festival. These festivals are held throughout the year in different parts of the country and feature all things garlic. From garlic ice cream and garlic-flavored beer to garlicky games and contests, these festivals are a great way to celebrate this pungent herb.
Some of the most popular garlic festivals include the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California, the Stinking Rose Garlic Festival in Chicago, and the New York State Garlic Festival. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend a weekend, be sure to check out one of these garlic festivals.
A few Research excerpts: It has been shown that garlic and its sulfur components can suppress carcinogen formation, bio activation and tumor proliferation
- Lung cancer: People who ate raw garlic at least twice a week, during the 7 year study period had a 44 percent lower risk of developing lung cancer. A group of Researchers from China published this study in the journal Cancer Prevention Research, after conducting interviews with 5000+ people
- Brain cancer: Three organo-sulfur compounds from garlic (DAS, DADS, and DATS) demonstrated efficacy in eradicating brain cancer cells.
- Antimicrobial effects: Diallyl sulfide, a compound in garlic, was several times more effective than two popular antibiotics in fighting the Campylobacter bacterium, according to a study published in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
Garlic festivals:
If you like garlic, there’s no better place to be than at a garlic festival. These festivals are held throughout the year in different parts of the country and feature all things garlic. From garlic ice cream and garlic-flavored beer to garlicky games and contests, these festivals are a great way to celebrate this pungent herb.
Some of the most popular garlic festivals include the Gilroy Garlic Festival in California, the Stinking Rose Garlic Festival in Chicago, and the New York State Garlic Festival. So if you’re looking for a fun and unique way to spend a weekend, be sure to check out one of these garlic festivals.
Different ways to use garlic:
There are many different ways to incorporate garlic into your diet. You can add it to stir-fries, soups, and salad dressings, or roast it and add it to vegetables. You can also take garlic supplements or make a garlic infusion by simmering garlic cloves in water for 10 minutes. Just be sure not to overcook garlic, as this can diminish its health benefits.
Garlic powder – Garlic powder is made from real, dehydrated garlic, which is then ground to various levels of fineness:
Homtiem Black Garlic 8.82 Oz (250g.), Whole Black Garlic Fermented for 90 Days, Super Foods, Non-GMOs, Non-Additives, High in Antioxidants, Ready to Eat for Snack Healthy, Healthy Recipes
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Garlic oil – Garlic oil is the volatile oil derived from garlic. One method of preparation is using steam distillation
Gya Labs Garlic Essential Oil (10ml) – Potent & Garlicky Scent
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Aged Garlic – Aged garlic has more potent antiglycation and antioxidant properties
Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract Formula 100, Original Cardiovascular,
Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract Formula 101, Stress and Fatigue Relief
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How to grow garlic at home
Garlic is easy to grow and can be grown in most gardens. It can also be grown in pots or containers. Garlic does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
To plant garlic, simply break a head of garlic into cloves and plant each clove about two inches deep and six inches apart. Water the garlic well and keep the soil moist.
Harvesting garlic is done when the leaves start to turn brown. To harvest, carefully lift the bulbs from the ground and brush off any dirt. Place the bulbs in a cool, dry place to cure for two weeks. After curing, the garlic can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to six months.