What is Garlic? A spice which is strong-smelling pungent-tasting bulb, used as a flavouring in cooking and in herbal medicine. Garlic is a plant in the Allium (onion) family. It is closely related to onions, shallots and leeks. Each segment of a garlic bulb is called a clove. There are about 10–20 cloves in a single bulb.
Scientific Definition : Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive, and Chinese onion.
Short History : Over 5,000 years garlic has been used as food, medicine, an aphrodisiac, money, and magic potions. Garlic is believed to be a native of central Asia, South Asia or southwestern Siberia. There is some debate over the origin of this herb. It is one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops. Garlic lovers carried the pungent herb into Egypt, Pakistan, India and China. The crusaders brought back garlic to Europe. Later Spanish, French, and Portuguese settlers introduced garlic into the Americas. It was known to ancient Egyptians, and has been used both as a food flavoring and as a traditional medicine. China produces some 80% of the world supply of garlic.
Nutritional Content of Garlic : Calorie for calorie, garlic is incredibly nutritious. This comes with 42 calories, 1.8 grams of protein and 9 grams of carbs.
A 1-ounce (28-gram) serving of garlic contains:
Manganese: 23% of the RDA
Vitamin B6: 17% of the RDA
Vitamin C: 15% of the RDA
Selenium: 6% of the RDA
Fiber: 0.6 grams
Decent amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic Contains Compounds With Potent Medicinal Properties
Garlic Is Highly Nutritious But Has Very Few Calories
Garlic Can Combat Sickness, Including the Common Cold
The Active Compounds in Garlic Can Reduce Blood Pressure
Garlic Improves Cholesterol Levels, Which May Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
Garlic Contains Antioxidants That May Help Prevent Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
Garlic May Help You Live Longer
Athletic Performance Might Be Improved With Garlic Supplements
Eating Garlic May Help Detoxify Heavy Metals in the Body
Garlic May Improve Bone Health
Garlic Is Easy to Include in Your Diet and Tastes Absolutely Delicious
Other health benefits
The Blood Purifier
Relief from that stubborn cold and flu
Prevention of Heart Disease
Anti-bacterial and Anti-parasitic
Cancer Prevention
Protects the skin from the effect of free radicals and slow down the depletion of collagen
Common Use : From stir fries and baked potato to grilled chicken and pasta, garlic makes just about everything taste better. Find over 1390 garlic recipes on Allrecipes.com. Enjoy roasted, grilled or baked or as spice in the curry.
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