Health & Benefits - Garlic

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Garlic is one of the most ancient spices used by civilizations way back in time. Garlic is mentioned in the Bible and the Talmud. Hippocrates, Galen, Pliny the Elder, and Dioscorides all mention the use of garlic for many conditions, including parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion, and low energy. Its use in China dates back to 2000 BC.

Its culinary use is mostly for the rich pungent flavor it imparts when used as seasoning. The cloves are the part of the garlic that has the most intense flavor. However there are other parts of the garlic that are also used for subtle flavors for instance its leaves and the flowers on the head. This herb is the main component for cooking around the world. The flavors it imparts to the classical breads such as garlic bread, garlic toast, bruschetta, crostini and canapé it’s simply amazing.

Apart from chopping up the cloves to add flavor to cooking the latest trend is to use small amounts of strongly flavored Infused oils. These do the same trick only save you the time of cleaning and chopping up. As pickles form a key accompaniment in the Indian cuisine there hardly any vegetables that are spared from being picked. Pickled Garlic is another way to enjoy the tasty pungency that this herb has to offer.

Medicinally Garlic has a lot of properties and known to cure disease related to the heart and blood system. Problems like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and coronary heart disease are some where this herb is being used from time memorial as a natural cure.

Garlic is rich in antioxidants. Now research has proved that antioxidants harbor properties that help destroy free radicals, particles that can damage cell membranes and DNA, and may contribute to the aging process as well as the development of a number of conditions, including heart disease and cancer. Thus the inclusion of garlic in the diet can definitely help prevent these health conditions.

It also enjoys being part of useful home remedies like its counterpart ginger in treating fever cough, sinus congestion and the common cold. Just remember not to overdo it or you suffer from the dreadful Garlic Breath…..