Garlic is not only a vegetable with a distinct flavor and aroma, used in cuisines all over the world. Modern science attributes to him many he alth benefits. Autumn is the perfect time to include garlic in your menu, so check what it is worth eating for.
Garlic is a plant of the bulb family, closely related to shallots and leek. It grows in many parts of the world, and due to its strong smell and taste, it is a popular addition to many dishes.
The he alth benefits of garlic were known in antiquity, so it was often used in the treatment of various ailments. Its use has been documented by many civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, and Chinese.
Scientists say that the sulfur compounds released during cutting, chewing or crushing garlic are responsible for the he alth benefits of garlic. The most famous of them is allicin, which is present in the fresh form of this plant and is released for a short time after crushing or cutting the garlic.
Other compounds that may play a role in the he alth benefits of this plant include diallyl disulfide (DADS) and s-allylcysteine (SAC), which enter the entire body from the gastrointestinal tract with powerful biological effects.
Garlic is an incredibly nutritious plant. One raw clove (approx. 3 g) contains:
- manganese: 2% of the daily value,
- vitamin B6: 2% of the daily value,
- vitamin C: 1% of the daily value,
- selenium: 1% of the daily value.
Garlic also contains trace amounts of various other nutrients, such as calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B1. What are the he alth benefits of consuming garlic?
Check out the 9 he alth benefits of garlic
See the gallery of 9 photos
Garlic comes in several different forms - from pastes to powdered form or supplements such as garlic extract or garlic oil. The plant also has a disadvantage - it causes bad breath.
Due to the blood thinning properties of garlic, people with bleeding disorders or taking blood-thinning medications should consult a physician regarding garlic consumption.
About the author
Patrycja Pupiec Editor specializing in promotionhe alth and psychology. Curiosity about people and their stories drives her to take up socially difficult topics. Author of the StrefaKobiety series devoted to women's he alth, in which she talks with a doctor about prevention and the problems they face. He likes to be up to date, which is why he follows scientific discoveries, especially those related to medicine. Privately, a lover of animals, hiking and the work of Edward Stachura.