7 Surprising Benefits Of Garlic (With Recipe)

Recently, I was at volleyball tournament and a friend said to me, “Did you have garlic for breakfast?” Obviously he could tell from the smell.

I told her I did. And indeed I love garlic, not without good reasons.

Garlic can make a bland dish bold and delicious.

Next time you are in the mood for pasta, try this simple and delicious dish. Simply cook your angel hair pasta according to the directions on the package. Right after you drain the water, throw pasta back into the original pan you cooked it in. Add fresh minced garlic or minced garlic from a jar, 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil, and grated or shredded Parmesan or Romano cheese. Mix and eat. It will smell and taste delicious!

There are also many surprisingly healthy benefits of eating garlic.

According to Medical Daily, “The spice is a highly nutritious vegetable with very few calories, containing trace amounts of other nutrients that contribute to its universal status of a powerful, beneficial healer.”

1. Can help treat acne

Raw garlic can be used to treat blemishes. It’s a topical aid. Simply cut a garlic clove and gently rub on your pimple. “Allicin, the organic compound in garlic, has the ability to stop the damaging effects of radicals and kill bacteria.”

2. Helps us get our antioxidants

According to Huffpost Living, “Here’s a reason to crush a few garlic cloves into your next meal — garlic is a great source of antioxidants, which we know play an important role for our health. Next time you are making pasta, after you drain the water, put in a splash of olive oil and a teaspoon or so of fresh minced garlic, mix well and enjoy a flavorful dish while getting healthy antioxidants at the same time.

3. Can help lower blood pressure

Medical Daily states that “A garlic supplement a day may keep your blood pressure at bay. Its active compounds can significantly redulce blood pressure comparable to the effects of prescribed drugs.” An added benefit of taking a supplement is you won’t  have the “garlic” breath that fresh garlic can give.

4. Can help fight off colds and flus

No one wants the flu or a nasty cold. We try different approaches, but have you ever tried garlic? Huffpost Living asserts, “The food’s antioxidants can help your immune system run well; in addition to simply eating it, you could also try steeping garlic into a tea by steeping chopped garlic in hot water. Add a bit of natural honey to soothe your throat and cut some of the intense garlic taste.”

5. Could help reduce the risk of certain cancers

According to Healthy Body Now, “Several population studies show an association between increased intake of garlic and reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast cancer.” They believe to get the most benefit from garlic, you should eat it raw and crushed.

6. A source of high nutrition but low in calories

It’s wonderful when we can find food that is high in nutrition but low in calories. According to Authority Nutrition, Garlic is low in calories and very rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and manganese. It also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients.” 

7. Can improve cholesterol levels

Many people are watching their cholesterol levels. According to Authority Nutrition, “For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15%.”

In conclusion, garlic is inexpensive to buy, delicious in its taste, and has many healthful benefits to offer. So, next time you are at the store, pick up some garlic and add spice and betterment to you life.

Featured photo credit: Garlic!/Jeffreyw via flickr.com

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