Grown and used for thousands of years, garlic is in the allium family, along with onions, chives and leeks. Known as the ‘stinking rose,’ garlic gets its aroma from its sulfur-containing compounds. These are also in part why garlic so good for you.
To get the full advantages of garlic, it should be eaten fresh and raw. Many people can’t tolerate the taste of raw garlic; using it lightly cooked is better than not using it at all. There are, of course, powder, flake, paste and pill form, all of which have less to offer than fresh and raw. Just a note, if eating raw garlic, don’t overdo it, as it can cause stomach upset.
Cooking tips:
Choose firm, mostly dry bulbs when purchasing. After cutting or crushing garlic, letting it sit for 15 to 20 minutes before use it will stimulate enzymes and increase compounds, making it even more beneficial. Avoid cooking garlic over high heat nor for too long. The longer it’s cooked the more its health benefits are lost. Best to add it to the pan when the food is almost done or, if you can get past “garlic breath,” add it raw when you’ve completely finished cooking. By the way, chewing on fresh parsley or mint leaves can counteract the aftertaste of garlic.
Vitamins, minerals & antioxidants
Garlic contains high levels of manganese, calcium, vitamin B1, B6 and C, phosphorous, copper, potassium, selenium and tryptophan. With all this going for it, garlic boosts the immune system.
A natural antibiotic
Garlic has been called a natural antibiotic (though it’s not a substitute for them, when they are necessary to fight serious infections). It fights against bacteria and viruses associated with colds and flu. It may also be helpful in alleviating candida yeast conditions. There are many home remedies involving garlic, for various ailments including toothaches, coughs, earache, warts, congestion, and skin infections.
Detoxification
Garlic triggers the liver to release toxins from the body, while at the same time protecting the liver from harm. Garlic is great for clearing out and maintaining healthy lungs and stomach.
Cardiovascular health
Garlic improves heart health in many ways. It thins the blood to diminish and protect against clots, allows iron to flow better through the body and opens up vessels. It protects the vessel walls as well. Studies have shown that it may help lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels. In addition, it protects against free radicals and acts as an anti-inflammatory for the heart, in addition to helping to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.
Reducing inflammation
Chemical compounds in garlic are thought to assist in reducing inflammation associated with various forms of arthritis.
- For more tips on plant-based nutrition, make sure to browse VegKitchen’s Nutrition page.
- See VegKitchen's popular article on Preserving Garlic.
Kevin says
Good news, Garlic promotes the overall well-being of the heart and immune systems and helps maintain healthy blood circulation. The active component in garlic is the sulfur compound called allicin. Allicin is powerful as an antibiotic and a effective agent that helps the body to inhibit the ability of germs to grow and reproduce.
Sandra says
Garlic is a wonder food. I can tesify that I thought I would be bed ridden with the pain I had that came on quite suddenly. Seemed every joint hurt and muscle hurt in my legs and feet. I could barely walk. I heard garlic was an anti inflamatory as well as antibiotic so I ate a whole roasted bulb. Not only was it delicious. I woke up the next day nearly pain free. There is also supplements in health food stores that contain tumeric,ginger, white willow bark etc. There are many natural remedies. We need to explore them more rather than rely on the pharmacuticals. Their side affects alone will kill you. How many of you know that Rockefeller owns the A.M.A.? No one we are pushed to take so many drugs. He has been known to say...about us "useless eaters" "they are all going to die anyway so the faster the better" google George Green. His story will blow your mind
georgiamountainwoman says
I just made the most delicious soup using raw garlic. First I semi peeled 2 medium red potatoes, cut them up and put them in a pot of boiling water, to that, I added 2 slalks of celery, cut them up and boiled till almost tender, then I added 1 chopped onion to the pot just before the potato got just a little soft. Then, I scooped out the cooked potato, celery, and onion and put it in my blender with 10 cloves of raw garlic and about a tablespoon of parsley. After it was all blended, I poured it in a bowl, added a few grinds of Himalayan salt and cripy onions.......it was the most yummy Creamy Garlic Potato soup ever !
Nava says
Not only does that sound delicious, but super-healthy! Sounds like a great soup for not only preventing colds, but treating them — thanks for sharing!
Tessa says
Garlic destroyed a tumor that my aunt had in her breast … amazing - https://vidd.me/nWn
Donna says
Can you use the flower on top of fresh garlic/
Donna says
Can you use the top flower on fresh garlic?
Nava says
Donna, supposedly the entire plant is edible, flowers and all, though I've never eaten them myself and am not familiar with their flavor and texture.
Mike says
Garlic does work wonders for warts. I've used it successfully on a few finger warts before. Do you have to use it raw to get it's antibiotic properties? Or is it still as potent when cooked?
all rajasthan says
garlic is very beneficial for health if taken early in the morning with water.thanks for great post.
Emily R. Smith says
Gaaah! Who would have thought garlic can be so beneficial. Will make it a point to add 9 cloves each time I marinate chicken or cottage cheese now.
Maybe you could write a post on more steps to address halitosis along with oil pulling. If you have already written one, sorry I may not have read it Mike 🙂
Nash Rich says
I had no idea that garlic had so many health benefits. I think it's cool it can help has an antibiotic. That would be nice if you had a minor problem. I also thought it was cool that it can help with inflammation. I feel like anything that helps with inflammation can be handy in lots of situations.
Sravanthi says
I have tried honey and garlic mixture for a month and it clearly shows the difference. It is making me more energetic. Thank you for sharing the benefits of garlic.
Robert says
Garlic has cured my bronchitis for the last three winters. Also I noticed I feel less joint paint. Superfood
Jaime says
Great article! I looooove garlic. I definitely feel the difference when I commit to adding more to my diet.
Anyone interested in herbal medicine should definitely check out the book Everyday Roots. It teaches you how to replace all of the harmful chemical products in your life with organic ones.
Frank Delaware says
I had no idea that garlic had so many different health benefits! One thing that I really liked about it is that it's actually a natural antibiotic! It would be nice to know that adding something so small could benefit you so much.
Ro says
Just wanted to say I have a bad cough and unable to shift it so took a course of Amoxoline 500 but didn't work, so now going to use natural Garlic each day [I have nothing to lose as I have tried everything else to no avail [don't care what say about the smell of Garlic]
Will keep you informeed
Ro says
Thought I would give it a go and try Raw Garlic as I have tried everything else and nothing to lose
Had the rasping cough and productive phlegm.
Will keep you informed
Appreciate any help from someone else in similar position.