Garlic is one of the most abundant natural sources of allicin, a sulfur-containing compound that has many health benefits. It aids in lowering blood pressure, improves blood sugar levels and cholesterol, and also helps prevent oxidation of LDL or bad cholesterol.
But incorporating garlic into your diet isn’t as simple as it sounds. Eating raw garlic on a daily basis could be too pungent and bitter for many people. That’s why incorporating it into your diet in other ways can be beneficial.
If you call yourself a health geek, and want to have more knowledge about being healthier, here are some tips on how you can include garlic in your diet to improve your quality of life:
Maintain Good Health by Eating Garlic
Garlic is best known for its antibiotic properties. So if you eat garlic regularly, you can resist infections caused by bacteria like cold and flu which are common during the cold season.
Garlic also contains high amounts of manganese, an essential mineral that helps with the production of collagen, an important building block for skin, joints, bones, and even blood vessels.
Eat more Garlic when You’re Sick
If you feel you’ve been exposed to a bacteria such as the common cold, flu, or viral infections, you can eat more garlic to boost your immune system. It’s best to eat garlic raw to get the most of its benefits, but you can also cook with it. Perhaps try making a garlic-infused broth to help soothe a sore throat or a garlic-infused honey to help reduce a cough.
Garlic is also a great source of Vitamin B6, which helps support the immune system. Vitamin B6 is also crucial when it comes to metabolizing homocysteine, a harmful compound that can lead to heart disease.
Use It as a Seasoning
Garlic is a great substitute for salt, especially if you are watching your sodium intake. A teaspoon of garlic can bring out the flavor of your food without adding too much sodium.
You can add it to your soups, meats, and vegetables, and even sprinkle it on your salads or grains. You can also try adding garlic to your favorite sauces and dressings to add more flavor.
Add It to Your Diet through Fresh and Frozen Produce
Try adding fresh or frozen garlic to your meals with fresh or frozen produce. You can add garlic to your baked potatoes, chopped and mixed into salads, or chopped and mixed into stews and casseroles.