4 Reasons You Should Eat More Garlic (and 6 Tasty Menu Ideas)
Did you know that garlic is at its most flavorful shortly after being cut? The pungent smell and flavor are a result of the garlic cells being broken down. Celebrate this aromatic food for National Garlic Day on April 19th.
Garlic has a myriad of health properties that make it a superfood. It produces hydrogen sulfide which may help reduce your risk for developing cancer. It also has other sulfur compounds that help the liver detoxify the body. Garlic has been used medically for centuries due to all these wonderful benefits.
Garlic is a delicious herb that is part of many different cultures and is grown all around the world. Garlic can enhance the flavor of almost any dish, making it a great ingredient to use while cooking. In fact, many tasty meals that you enjoy use garlic!
4 Reasons to Eat More Garlic
Garlic is not only a flavorful ingredient, but it also has numerous health benefits. You can throw it in almost any dish, and benefit from its wonderful properties. Here are 4 great benefits of garlic:
- Anti-inflammatory: When your body is exposed to oxidative stress, it can cause damage to your body tissue resulting in a buildup of plaque on the surface of your vessels. Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that can help mitigate that stress.
- Anti-bacterial: The disulfide factors in garlic help control the growth of bacteria that can cause infections.
- Heart health: Due to its anti-inflammatory effect and other health properties, garlic can help lower “bad” cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Reduced cancer risk: Garlic has phytochemicals that may prevent damage to cells and reduce the progression of cancer.
6 Tasty Dishes with Garlic
Garlic adds depth and flavor to many meals. It’s numerous health benefits and distinct aroma make it a wonderful ingredient to add when cooking. Here are a few of my favorite recipes with garlic:
- Roasted Baby Carrots with Garlic: A simple side dish that complements any entrée.
- Pasta with Oil and Garlic: Ditch that jar of sauce for spaghetti night for a yummy meal that the whole family will enjoy.
- Roasted Garlic Edamame: A quick snack or appetizer that is packed with plant-based protein.
- Creamy Roasted Tomato and Garlic Soup: This scrumptious soup can be served as an appetizer or as a standalone dish.
- Garlic Shrimp: Marinate your shrimps with garlic and throw them on the grill for a fun treat in the warmer months.
- Broccoli and Garlic-Ricotta Toast: This savory toast is so delicious and easy to make. Just toast some bread, drizzle on olive oil with garlic, ricotta, and broccoli florets, and season as desired!
Garlic is a great ingredient that can be added to many different meals. It adds great flavor and plenty of health benefits. Garlic has the most benefits when eaten fresh, but other forms have health properties as well. Add some garlic to your meals today!
Your Turn to Take Action: How will you add garlic to your meals? Let me know in the comments below.
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