Wonder Herb or Vampire Killer? Celebrate National Garlic Day!

It may be smelly but garlic sure is healthy! Today is National Garlic Day and what better way to celebrate this medicinal herb then by incorporating it into your favorite dish?

 
Dating back to at least 6,000 years ago, garlic has been a staple in many different cultures. Garlic can be used as a vegetable, as an herb, and even to ward off evil spirits. It can be eaten raw, chopped in recipes, and also sautéed for added flavor.

 
Garlic’s most surprising claim is that it has cancer-fighting chemicals. It is said that garlic’s production of hydrogen sulfide is the reason for this fighting effect. It is also known to help detoxify the body. Garlic has many sulfur-containing compounds that help the liver rid the body of toxins. Garlic even helps cure warts! Rub crushed garlic cloves with the oil on the wart and that is said to do the trick. Garlic also lowers cholesterol levels and helps fight the common cold. Would you believe all of these astonishing uses?

 
Garlic is high in protein, vitamins and minerals especially vitamins A, B1 and C. With such powerful properties, it’s no wonder there is a day to recognize it!
Now I know garlic may be off-putting because it can cause a lingering smell in an individual’s mouth, but consumption of milk or parsley can quickly fix that. Some say to “age” the garlic, which will make it odorless. One would do this by letting the garlic sit out uncovered until there is no scent. Unfortunately, this decreases the activity of the chemical ingredient, Allicin, which will negatively affect garlic’s abundant benefits.

 
Be aware when cooking garlic, it should be lightly cooked or eaten raw. The more it is cooked and the higher the temperature, the more that the healthy enzymes break down.

 
Your turn to take action: Incorporate garlic in a dish you make this week or try a new recipe that calls for garlic. Leave a comment about your thoughts on the meal!

 
Fun fact: the fear of garlic is called Alliumphobia!

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