You must have always heard that eating a garlic clove everyday can help keep cancer away. Scientists have in fact found many evidences that prove this amazing benefit of garlic. In this guide you will learn about a delicious garlic recipe that makes it easier to add this magical food to your diet.
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Why Garlic is So Special in the Food World?
Garlic contains many sulfur based compounds. The bulb gets its unique pungent smell due to the presence of these compounds.
Allicin is a powerful compound in garlic that has so many health benefits including:
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Antiviral
- Antioxidant
Garlic is a unique food because its compounds become active when it is chopped or minced and allowed to sit for some time. Even if you are going to eat it raw, it is recommended to keep it for at least 15 minutes after chopping before its useful compounds are released.
Garlic also contains good amount of selenium.
Health Benefits of Garlic
Here are the main health benefits of eating garlic regularly:
1. Stronger Immune System
A stronger immune system not only helps in fighting off infections, congestion, and coughs, it also strengthens your body’s anti-cancer powers.
During the winter, eating this recipe can help ward off flu and cold.
2. Improving Hyperthyroid Conditions
Because garlic also has high amounts of iodine, it can help cure or improve hyperthyroid conditions. Studies involving the use of garlic have shown that it is highly effective in improving this condition.
3. Prevent & Fight Cardiovascular Disease
Garlic has also been found to be beneficial in preventing and reversing cardiovascular disease. It has compounds that help reduce the plaque deposits in arteries. Many studies have shown the magical benefits of garlic in improving heart disease.
Besides, taking this garlic recipe often will also help in preventing the development of cardiovascular disease.
4. Treat Bacterial & Fungal Infections
The allicin in garlic has natural antibiotic properties. Due to this benefit, garlic was used by soldiers during World War II to fight the infections in their wounds.
Avoid using garlic based tablets because they don’t retain the original allicin.
5. Regulate Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure, eating this recipe just once a week can help you regulate the pressure. Its unique compounds help in reducing blood pressure. In fact, studies show that it is even more effective than the prescription drugs used for the condition.
According to a 2013 study, giving 600-1,500mg of garlic extract to subjects for 24 weeks showed same level of effectiveness as Atenolol, the widely prescribed drug for high blood pressure.
According to researchers, garlic helps in activating the release of endothelium-based relaxation factor. This is because it contains high amounts of polysulfides.
This helps in relaxing muscles and vasodilation.
6. Treating Acne
When you think of herbs for treating acne, garlic is not one of them. However, the fact is that the allicin in it can help in killing bacteria and neutralizing free radicals. This makes garlic a powerful ingredient for treating not only acne scars, but in also treating many skin problems and allergies. A 2009 study shows that garlic inhibits the damages caused by radicals and also destroys bacteria.
Garlic & Baby Bok Choy Recipe
Just one cup serving of this recipe will address more than 50% of your RDA of vitamin A and vitamin C. It can be enjoyed on its own, or you can also serve it as a side dish.
The ingredients required are:
- Minced garlic – 1/4 cup
- Trimmed baby bok choy – 6 heads
- Butter – 2 tbsp
- Chicken broth – 28 oz
- Salt and ground black pepper
Put the button on a saucepan and heat it on medium. Add the minced garlic when the butter melts. Stir for 5 minutes and add the baby bok choy and chicken broth. Once it comes to a boil, allow it to simmer for another 5-7 minutes.
When the bok choy turns tender, add salt and pepper and enjoy.
References:
http://www.cheatsheet.com/culture/5-delicious-recipes-for-garlic-lovers.html/?a=viewall
http://www.naturalblaze.com/2013/04/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-garlic.html
http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/15-health-benefits-of-garlic/
http://www.medicaldaily.com/garlic-good-you-7-surprising-benefits-garlic-optimal-health-324114