I love cooking with garlic! It adds so much flavor to dishes and has so many health benefits. Did you know that garlic can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure? Plus, it’s excellent for boosting your immune system. I always make sure to have plenty of garlic on hand in my kitchen.
Many years ago, a small village in southern Spain had a family with a particular tradition. Every morning before lunch, Grandma would give everyone a small clove of garlic. The children initially grumbled and grimaced at the strong taste of garlic, but gradually they got used to it. Grandma told them that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic that fights disease and strengthens the immune system. Over the years, the whole family learned that garlic is good for digestion, prevents the flu, and lowers blood pressure.
1—Medicinal. Garlic contains sulfur compounds, such as allicin, which give it antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that fight infections. It is also rich in nutrients: vitamins C and B6, selenium, calcium, iron, and manganese.
2—Cardiovascular. It improves heart health and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular consumption of garlic lowers blood pressure, reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.
3—Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Antioxidant compounds in garlic, such as flavonoids and sulfur, fight oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
4—Anticarcinogenic. According to some studies, garlic may help prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells in the stomach, colon, esophagus, and prostate.
5—Intestinal. It has prebiotic properties, which promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestine and positively affect digestive health.
6—Blood sugar and brain. Garlic regulates blood sugar levels, increases insulin secretion, and improves glucose tolerance, which is especially beneficial for people with diabetes. It improves brain function and protects against the aging. Some studies indicate that it positively impacts memory and learning ability.
