What happens if you eat garlic every day? Answered by Nutriciologist

“In the winter time for many people, the issue of supporting and strengthening immunity becomes more and more urgent. And when it comes to foods, onions and garlic are one of the first things that come to mind. Since childhood we have been told that they protect against diseases and include many vitamins.

Useful properties of garlic

It is one of the most studied and best-selling herbal products. For centuries, it has been used as a traditional remedy for most diseases. Now it is widely used as a food ingredient: spice and aphrodisiac.

The IBGU of garlic per 100 g is: 149/6,5/0,5/29,9.

Useful properties of garlic are due to the combination of various biologically active substances. They are collectively responsible for its therapeutic effect. The benefits of the product are manifested in:

• improving the health of the cardiovascular system – garlic includes several sulfur-containing phytochemicals that are metabolized when consumed and help the body fight inflammatory processes;
• regulating blood glucose levels;
• reducing the risk of stomach diseases.

What disadvantages does garlic have?

Garlic has a number of contraindications. Among them:

• gastric and duodenal ulcer;
• gastritis;
• hemorrhoids;
• kidney and liver disease;
• epilepsy;
• bronchial asthma;
• pregnancy, as well as the period of breastfeeding.

In rare cases, garlic can cause an allergic reaction, heartburn, flatulence, diarrhea. But, of course, its main feature is that eating this product causes bad breath and even body odor, which are usually most pronounced if the product is eaten raw.

The metabolism of sulfur-containing chemicals leads to the formation of hydrogen sulfide. Not only is it responsible for the characteristic odor, but it is also a signaling molecule with direct effects on vascular tissue, nerve synapses, inflammation, and more.

Black garlic

In addition to the regular kind, there is also black garlic. This is a form of aged garlic, obtained from the raw form at high temperature and humidity for a certain period of time.

Its beneficial properties include:

• high content of water-soluble antioxidant compounds;
• a wide range of pharmacological properties;
• prevention of various types of diseases.

Most of all the benefits can be attributed to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.

What happens if you eat garlic every day?

Garlic is often referred to as a “superfood.” The perennial herbaceous plant improves cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol profile. The product also has antioxidant properties as it supports the activity of glutathione, which is a powerful antioxidant. Therefore, including about a few cloves (2-5 g) in your diet is one of the healthiest habits.

What can be prepared from garlic?

Processing garlic in the microwave partially destroys the useful components in the composition. However, cooking it on the grill or baking will not damage the bioactive substances, if it is pre-cut or crushed.

Therefore, garlic can not only be eaten in the usual fresh form or added to hot dishes, but also try with it new, more interesting recipes that preserve the useful properties of the product.

Garlic spinach and watercress for the winter

Ingredients:

• Garlic – 3 cloves;
• spinach – 150 g;
• watercress – 1 bundle;
• olive oil – 1 tbsp;
• salt – 1/2 tsp.

Preparation:

1. Prepare the garlic paste: place the garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a mortar and crush into a paste.
2. Place the garlic paste and olive oil in a non-stick skillet and place it over medium heat.
3. When the garlic starts to sizzle, add the spinach, watercress and the remaining salt.
4. Keep on the heat until the greens are fully cooked.

Shrimp in a spicy garlic sauce

Ingredients:

• peeled shrimp – 500 g;
• garlic – 4 cloves, thinly sliced;
• bay leaf – 1 pc;
• olive oil – 1 tbsp;
• freshly squeezed lime juice – 2 tablespoons;
• lime slices – as desired;
• ground red pepper – 1/2 tsp;
• salt, ground black pepper – to taste.

Preparation:

1. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet.
2. Add salt, black pepper, garlic and bay leaf and cook for five minutes.
3. Pour red pepper and shrimp into skillet and cook for three minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add lime juice, if desired, serve the dish with its slices.

Peanut “Beans” with greens

Ingredients:

• peanut butter – 2 tbsp;
• minced garlic – 1 tbsp;
• chopped fresh ginger – 1 tbsp;
• any fresh herbs – to taste;
• chicken or vegetable broth – 1/2 tbsp;
• freshly squeezed lime juice – 2 tbsp;
• salt and freshly ground pepper – to taste;
• peanuts for decoration.

Preparation:

1. Add the oil to a large deep cast iron pan with a lid and place over medium heat.
2. When it is hot, add the garlic and cook it until golden, but not brown, otherwise it will become bitter.
3. Add the herbs, ginger, broth, peanut butter, a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Cover with a lid and cook for about six minutes.
5. Open the lid and continue to braise over low heat.
6. Stir until the greens are very soft: five to seven minutes, depending on the type of greens.
7. Add more stock or water if necessary.
8. Remove from the heat and add the lime juice.
9. Serve hot or warm with a spoonful of brown rice.
10. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top for crunch and flavor.