Garlic. We all know the smell, taste, texture, and colour. Everyone knows what garlic is, everyone has a way of using it, and it has been that way for centuries.
Folklore reveals that it's been used to ward off evil spirits, vampires, and even keep werewolves at bay. Roman soldiers would eat it for inspiration and courage, and the pyramid builders of ancient Egypt were said to be paid partially in garlic and even swear oaths upon its bulbs.
A relative to onions, leeks, chive and shallot, garlic is said to have originated in Central Asia and brought to the Americas by Columbus on his second voyage. It is used worldwide both for culinary and medicinal purposes by many cultures. When buying your garlic, it is suggested to choose firm, plump bulbs that have no signs of bruising or sprouting and store them in a dark dry place.
There are a number of ways that garlic can be used to benefit us, and you can increase these health benefits by letting it sit after you have chopped, minced, or crushed it. Garlic is so much more than a delicious addition to meals, it has a lot of other hidden potentials.
Here are just a few:
Improves iron metabolism. Garlic increases the production of a protein that forms a passage for stored iron in our cells to leave, and become available in other areas of the body where it is needed.
Decreases inflammation. The sulphuric components of garlic help reduce inflammation in the body as well as on the skin. It can be used topically by rubbing half a clove on the affected area.
Seasoning. Add aroma, taste, and nutrition to your dishes. It is recommended to use raw chopped or pressed garlic to take advantage of its benefits. If you cannot tolerate raw garlic, or wish to add it to cooked dishes, it's best to add it towards the end of the cooking process to retain the maximum amount of flavor and nutrition.
Boosts immune system. Because of its high levels of vitamin C and B6, eating garlic regularly, especially if you feel an illness coming on, will help boost your immune system to combat colds and flus.
Disinfects. Its antibacterial properties have been widely known for some time; in fact, wound care in both World Wars included garlic application.
Helps heart health. Garlic has been known to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
Improves complexion. Got acne? Rub half a clove of garlic on the affected area. If done regularly the antibacterial properties will help clear your complexion.
Chelating. Eating garlic in high doses helps remove heavy metals from your body and its high sulphur compound protect organs from heavy metal toxicity.
So the next time you sit down to a meal and taste that familiar, pungent, spicy flavour of deliciousness that is garlic, you can feel satisfied knowing that you have done yourself a valuable service.
RECIPE: Roasted Garlic Bulb
2-3 Garlic bulbs (or more, you can never really have too much)
• Olive oil
• Sea salt and pepper
1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. Slice head of garlic to expose the cloves (the head is where the stem is).
3. Drizzle olive oil over exposed garlic and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Wrap tightly in tinfoil.
5. Bake for 30-40 min at 400F.
6. Spread on crackers or bread; mash into spreads like hummus; or use in salad dressing.
