Health Benefits And Uses Of Garlic / Allium sativum


GARLIC
Botnical Name : Allium sativum



Family: Amaryllidaceae
Species: A. sativum 
Genus: Allium
Kingdom: Plantae

Garlic scientifically known as Allium sativum is a plant species belonging to Allium which is an onion genus. The garlic species is closely related to other plant species including leeks, shallots hives and onions. Garlic has been used since the ancient times for food flavoring and as a traditional medicine. 
The garlic plant is bulbous and grows up to a height of 1.2 meters in height. The plant produces hermaphrodite flowers that are pollinated by bees and other insects. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, garlic has a hardiness level of eight. The bulb part of the plant is the one that is mostly used. Most garlic plants are divided into some fleshy portions known as cloves. Garlic cloves can either be consumed raw or cooked for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Garlic cloves are characterized by a tart, spicy flavor that gets savory and sweet when cooked. The leaves, and flowers on the head of a garlic plant are also edible and are occasionally consumed but while they are still tender and young.


The Top Garlic Producing Countries In The World


RankCountryProduction (millions of tons)
1China20
2India1.25
3South Korea0.35
4Egypt0.26
5Russia0.26

Nutritional value :

  • Manganese: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin B6: 2% of the DV.
  • Vitamin C: 1% of the DV.
  • Selenium: 1% of the DV.
  • Fiber: 0.06 grams.
  • Decent amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1.

Health Benefits And Uses Of Garlic

Garlic has economic value to the countries that produce it in large quantities.However, the consumption of garlic has a high amount of nutritional value since it contains very little calories.





  •  NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC : GARLIC is popularly known for its ability to work as a natural antibiotic. Garlic contains a compound known as ALLICIN  which is believed to possess medicinal properties.
  • IMMUNITY BOOSTER : Supplements of garlic are known to boost the immune system in fighting diseases such as common cold and boost athletic performance, heart function and helps reduce blood pressure.
  •  MOSTLY USED AS A SPICE IN ROUTINE LIFE Garlic is popularly used for the culinary purpose as a food additive or spice, especially as a seasoning or dressing.Garlic cloves are also used in the flavoring of oils which in turn are used to season all types of vegetables, bread, pasta, and meat.
  • RESPIRATORY BOOSTER  : Garlic is going to provide you relief from that stubborn cold and flu (yes, they absolutely love you and never want to leave). Taking 2-3 cloves of raw or cooked garlic a day or sipping some garlic tea (with a touch of honey or ginger to lift up the taste) is not only going to relieve a stuffed nose and cure the cold but also build your immunity against these frequent visitors over time. One of the earliest uses of garlic was by meat-eaters because it was believed that meat could cause infection which garlic could fight off from the body. More commonly used by labourers who are exposed to infections and disease-friendly environments till recently, its plethora of health benefits has made white-collar workers also take to it. "Garlic can be added to hot stews, broths and soups to fight sinusitis, cold and flu. And garlic is best had in its raw state."
  • Prevention of Heart Disease : Consuming garlic on a daily basis (in food or raw) helps to lower cholesterol levels because of the anti-oxidant properties of Allicin. It is also immensely beneficial to regulate blood pressure and blood sugar levels. It is essential to remember that the sulphur-containing compound Allicin tends to lose its medicinal properties when garlic is cooked whole. It is imperative to consume garlic raw or semi-cooked to derive any of its benefits.


  • Leaves are used to make a popular vegetable: In Asia garlic leaves are used to make a popular vegetable. Garlic is also used as a preservative for meat and fish whereas the viscid liquid between garlic cloves is used as an adhesive to mend porcelain and glass.
  • For Skin and Hair :
    The invigorating properties of garlic protect the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow down the depletion of collagen which leads to loss of elasticity in aging skin. Applied topically, garlic does wonders to skin infected with fungal infections and  provides relief from skin ailments like eczema. It is also an effective remedy for fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworms. All of us know about the wonders of onion for hair but its brother, garlic is no less of a hero for your thinning mane. Well, its surprise time. Rubbing crushed garlic extract on your scalp.
  • The Blood Purifier :
    Tired of covering up those zits with concealer every morning? It's time to tackle the root cause of acne by purifying your blood from inside to get healthy skin on the outside. Take two cloves of raw garlic with some warm water everyday, early in the morning and consume a lot of water the entire day. If you're looking to shed some pounds, squeeze the juice of half a lemon in a glass of luke warm water and have it with 2 cloves of garlic in the mornings. Garlic will help to cleanse your system and flush out toxins.

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