Garlic is a mighty little vegetable that has been used since 3000BC for medicinal purposes. There is no denying that garlic tastes amazing on bread layered with butter, but it also has healthful benefits for your body which include:
- Anticancer properties potentially reducing the risk of stomach, oesophagus, colon, breast, cervix, skin, uterine and lung cancers.
- Antibacterial properties
- Reduces your risk of heart disease.
- Improves your immune system due to a compound called quercetin.
The main component which gives garlic all these healthy benefits is called ally methyl sulphide (AMS). This compound is also what gives you the bad breath after eating garlic. Ever wondered why you can’t get rid of the bad breath after eating garlic? It is because AMS is absorbed into your blood stream and then travels through to your lungs where it is exhaled. This means even after you brush your teeth the garlic breath comes back.
So, is there any way to get rid of the bad garlic breath? Potentially there is by drinking green tea and lemon juice, food or drinks with high amounts of water content, raw spinach, mint, parsley or apples and it can never hurt to brush, floss and use some mouth wash.
Here are some ideas on ways to include garlic in your diet:
- Part of my steamed vegetables to add flavour without salt (equals a happier heart)
- As part of a tomato sauce using fresh tomatoes, basil and tuna under some delicious quinoa or whole grain pasta and topped with some low-fat cheese.
- Crushed and spread on top of my steamed fish with some fresh herbs and spices.
Take home message: Garlic is a vegetable packed with health benefits which can help your body stay well and healthy. Garlic bread anyone?
Reference:
- Rana, S. V., Pal, R., Vaiphei, K., Sharma, S. K., & Ola, R. P. (2011). Garlic in health and disease. Nutrition Research Reviews, 24(1), 60-71. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0954422410000338
