All about garlic: who is it useful for and how to use it?

Piece by piece. Choosing the healthiest citrus

In Ancient Egypt, garlic was a mandatory component of the menu of slaves involved in the construction of the pyramids. Garlic was added to the stew not at all in order to add piquancy to it and make it more tasty. It was just that the wise Egyptian priests guessed about the preventive properties of garlic.

Slaves who received garlic supplements were less likely to get sick and lived longer, thereby saving their masters’ money, because it was much cheaper to buy garlic than to buy new workers. However, the Egyptians did not at all consider garlic to be an exclusively plebeian vegetable. The “main inhabitants of the pyramids” - the pharaohs - were supposed to be buried with a head of garlic. It was believed that this vegetable could be useful on the way to the afterlife.

Benefit

Let's look at the positive properties of the product:

• Let's start with the benefits for men. Garlic is a strong aphrodisiac that restores sexual function, the ability to have an erection and normalizes potency. It also prevents the risk of prostate cancer, a disease that affects a man’s urinary system. If you eat garlic, your chance of developing cancer is reduced by 50%.
• Makes the heart healthier. The chemicals contained in garlic thin the blood and prevent the formation of clots. Thanks to this, blood circulates throughout the body without obstacles. Thus, the product reduces the risk of hypertension and heart disease; still keeps glucose in a normal state.
• Fights cancer. The fact is confirmed by scientific research: when garlic is pressed, chemical compounds are formed, the main of which - allicin - reduces the effect of carcinogens, regenerates genes damaged by humans, and stops the growth of malignant and benign tumors. Garlic, when taken regularly, reduces the size of formations by up to two times.
• Normalizes human digestion. Garlic acts on pathogenic organisms, affecting the intestinal microflora - it removes dysbiosis, frequent diarrhea and inflammatory processes that occur in the colon. The product also kills harmful bacteria in the stomach, which improves food digestion.
• Relieves pain in teeth. Garlic, in addition to its antibacterial effect, relieves pain. Allicin, which is obtained as a result of the pressure of the product, reduces tooth pain and eliminates inflammation. Thus, the lobules kill bacteria and prevent the development of caries - the destruction of dental tissue. Apply a paper napkin soaked in garlic juice to the affected area; the pain will go away in a couple of minutes.
• Strengthens human immunity. It is obtained with the help of antioxidants - substances that neutralize free radicals and protect the body, preventing the penetration of viruses and bacteria. Eating garlic removes toxic and poisonous substances from the body. To avoid seasonal colds, include 1-2 heads daily in your diet.
• Stabilizes weight. It is obtained by removing lipids into the blood, which reduces the appearance of fat in the body. There is a downside - garlic increases appetite. This means that to lose weight, combine it with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
• Treatment of the respiratory tract with garlic. Fungal and infectious bacteria are simply destroyed. The property acts on the nasopharynx, helping people with inflammation of the paranasal cavities. It is recommended to breathe in garlic vapor to enhance the treatment effect.
• Treats ear infections. Garlic oil prevents the development of bacteria that cause infectious diseases. Pain syndromes and irritations that occur in the ears are also relieved.
• Improves hair condition. Garlic is a source of vitamins and substances that strengthen the hair structure and prevent hair loss. Use slices or make masks to achieve the effect.
• Treats skin diseases, is used against warts and calluses - garlic oil is applied and washed off after 10 minutes.
• Normalizes nerve function and supplies the body with energy. The property is due to thiamine, which is part of garlic.
• Lowers blood pressure and dilates blood vessels. Helps people suffering from high blood pressure.
• The sulfur contained in garlic normalizes the functioning of cartilage tissue and joints.

Garlic also prevents the development of osteoarthritis, a disease that affects the joints. The property is useful for women.

For men

The beneficial properties of garlic for men are known. The vegetable contains many valuable components, including selenium, which supports men's health. The product improves blood flow and dilates blood vessels. The extract is included in medications that increase male potency. The vegetable serves as a natural aphrodisiac that increases sexual desire.

Consumption of garlic by men is considered an excellent prevention of prostate diseases. The vegetable is recommended for athletes, as it contains a lot of protein, which helps build and distribute muscle mass. The product cleanses blood vessels, which protects against the appearance of atherosclerosis.

Harm

The main harm is that garlic is toxic. Studies have shown that the product slows down brain performance by 2-3 times, reduces attention and causes aggression in humans. Occurs due to a toxic substance that penetrates the blood.

The product is harmful for epilepsy. It causes seizures.

Garlic is harmful for anemia, a disease caused by anemia.

People with sensitive skin should be careful with this product. Contact in this case causes redness, itching and minor burns.

Another harm is the risk of botulism, an infectious disease that causes paralysis of a person’s muscles. The reason is due to improper storage of garlic, which allows microbes and viruses to develop. The product must not be dried.

To avoid harm after consuming the product, check the quality in advance. Do not consume more than a few slices yet to minimize the risk of burns to the body. Consult your doctor before use.

Vitamins and microelements

Garlic is one of the most effective natural antibiotics. It contains large quantities of phytoncides with strong antibacterial and antiviral effects. That is why garlic cloves can be used as a means to prevent colds. Allicin contained in the spicy vegetable is an antioxidant. It reduces the dangers associated with the development of infectious lesions of the respiratory canals and prevents the active spread of malignant neoplasms.

Garlic is used to prevent colds.

Composition of garlic and effect on the body:

1. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as starch and ash. There are organic acids, monosaccharides and disaccharides.
2. The vitamin complex contains many elements - beta-carotene, thiamine, riboflavin and niacin.
3. Pantothenic acid along with pyridoxine and folic acid bring benefits to the body.
4. It is vitamin B6, along with other elements of this group, that is in demand by the nervous system and is involved in the production of serotonin, which is considered the hormone of joy.
5. The highest concentration contains ascorbic acid – 30 mg.
6. Garlic is rich in minerals. It contains significant quantities of macroelements - potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus. It also contains a lot of microelements - manganese, iron and zinc. Copper, iodine and cobalt are found.
7. Selenium has unique properties, promoting the activation of regenerative and metabolic processes. This component is involved in active skin regeneration, improvement of scalp hair, and restoration of the nail plate. The action of selenium is also aimed at eliminating harmful toxins.

Dietary properties

Garlic helps with weight loss, which is proven by the following properties:

• Blood sugar levels are normalized. This means that there are no sharp urges to eat food and activation of hormones that give the command for the appearance of fat deposits.
• The fluid does not remain in the body.
• The product fights cholesterol, which helps fat metabolism that occurs in the body.
• People who are overweight often have impaired production of adrenaline, a substance responsible for breaking down fats and reducing food cravings. Garlic also suppresses the effect of cortisol, a hormone that breaks down proteins in muscles and causes cravings for salt and sugar.

Simply eating garlic will not ensure weight loss. To lose weight, combine with a healthy lifestyle and reduced calorie intake.

Let's move on to the problems for which the product will help:

• Angina is pain localized in the center of the chest.
• Insomnia is a painful lack of sleep.
• Migraines are attacks of pain that occur in the head. Eating garlic causes a rush of blood, which solves the problem.
• Decreased memory and attention that appears in older age. You cannot use the product too much.
• Dysentery is a contagious disease with bloody discharge.
• Whooping cough is an infectious disease of the respiratory tract.
• Cholecystitis is an inflammatory process of the gallbladder.
• Liver cirrhosis is a chronic disease characterized by changes in the structure of liver tissue and cell destruction.
• Wounds and ulcers that do not heal.
• Osteochondrosis is damage to the discs and tissues of the spine.
• Laryngitis is an inflammatory process in the larynx.
• Diphtheria is an infectious disease that is accompanied by the appearance of white films in the throat; occurs more often in children.
• Typhoid is a disease characterized by a feverish state.
• Tuberculosis is a disease that affects the lungs, bones, joints and intestines.
• Malaria is a disease that is accompanied by attacks of fever.

Garlic also helps with oncology, reducing the size of tumors and regenerating damaged cells. As you can see, its medicinal properties are extensive.

Contraindications

Contraindications to eating garlic:

• Gastritis is an inflammatory process that affects the gastric mucosa.
• Nephritis is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the renal glomeruli or tubules.
• Colitis is an inflammatory process that affects the large intestine.
• Enterocolitis is an inflammatory process that affects the large and small intestines simultaneously.
• Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins in the lower part of the rectum.
• Hepatitis is inflammation in the liver.
• Epilepsy is a chronic nervous disease. Seizures occur when eating garlic.
• Asthma - occasional attacks of breathlessness.
• Late pregnancy. Breastfeeding a child - lactation.

If you consume a lot of garlic, intoxication of the body will occur - this occurs due to toxic substances that penetrate the human body; cause inattention and distraction.

You should also not consume garlic if a person is susceptible to allergic reactions or intolerance to it - there is a risk of developing anaphylactic shock. This is the main contraindication that must be observed.

Is it possible for pregnant or breastfeeding women

Eating garlic is possible in the early stages of pregnancy. So, the woman receives folic acid and vitamins that are necessary for the development of the child. Don't take too much - a clove a day is enough. First, consult your doctor to find out if you can eat garlic.

In the later stages of pregnancy, a woman is prohibited from consuming garlic, because allergic reactions may occur. The cloves also irritate the mucous membrane, which is also undesirable.

Also, the product should not be used during lactation - breastfeeding. The taste of milk deteriorates - the child’s nutrition is disrupted.

Garlic recipes

Thanks to its beneficial properties, a head of garlic can replace an entire first aid kit: ► If you lose strength, it is recommended to take 1 tbsp before meals. spoon of chopped garlic, boiled with honey.

► If you have a runny nose, breathe in the garlic infusion. Crush a few cloves of garlic, place in a small saucepan with a thick bottom, add a glass of water and simmer for 20 minutes over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to slightly cooled tea and stir. Breathe over the steam until the infusion cools.

► Garlic broth will help with colds, coughs and sore throats. To prepare it, you need to pour one glass and a quarter of water into an enamel pan and, when it boils, add a quarter of a teaspoon of coarsely chopped garlic. Boil for 5 minutes over low heat, then remove from heat, cover and cool for 45 minutes. Strain the broth and drink half a glass once a day.

► Remedy for calluses: cut the garlic cloves into thin slices and use a band-aid to secure them to the calluses, leaving them overnight.

The nutritional value

Based on the tables, we will figure out whether garlic is healthy. Let's start with the elements that are contained:

Let's move on to the vitamin content:

The tables prove that garlic is a source of vitamins and beneficial elements for human health.

Chemical composition of garlic

The numerous medicinal effects of garlic are associated with the medicinal substances it contains. After the plant was subjected to serious study, the following components valuable for human health were identified:

• Essential oils are complex compounds based on volatile aromatic substances. They produce an antiseptic, antiviral, analgesic, improves the functioning of the heart muscle and anti-inflammatory effect on the human body.
• Glycosides are complex compounds that have a sedative effect.
• Organic acids are complex compounds of many substances of an acidic nature, characterized by anti-inflammatory, antitoxic, regenerating and bactericidal properties.
• Phytoncides are volatile substances that have powerful antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects.
• Enzymes are complex components that have a positive effect on the production of bile and digestive enzymes, as a result of which the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract improves and the process of proper absorption of substances is restored.
• Allicin is a powerful antiseptic that, even in low concentrations, destroys most pathogenic bacteria.
• Diallyl sulfide is a complex substance that produces a powerful expectorant effect.
• Salts of mineral substances - their composition, depending on growing conditions, can vary significantly. They are necessary for the normal functioning of all organs and systems in the human body.

An interesting feature of garlic is that it does not lose its medicinal properties even after prolonged storage, as well as heat treatment at both high and low temperatures.

How to use

An easy way to consume garlic is to peel it and eat it. Not a medicine - so use it whenever you want. Garlic is also added to salads, soups, and spread on bread.

To remove garlic odor from your mouth:

• Drink some milk. The fat and water contained in milk will remove the smell.
• Drink water when you eat. So, the smell will be weaker.
• Drink juice squeezed from lime or lemon.
• Brew green tea - neutralizes the sulfur compounds that garlic produces.
• Brush your teeth or use gum.

Another proven way is to eat an apple.

Storage

Garlic is stored at room temperature - you don’t need to take it out onto the balcony. Choosing a container:

• Net. Fill with garlic and hang. Sometimes we select missing fruits.
• Cling film. We wrap the fruit tightly, the film will prevent drying out.
• Sterile jars. Garlic is preserved and survives the winter. Pour boiling water over the jars, wash with soda and dry.
• Fabric bag. Soak the bag in a salt solution, let it dry, then fill it with garlic.

Before storing, peel the garlic by removing the skins. Select rotten or blackened fruits, otherwise the harvest will be lost. Garlic is an unpretentious product and does not spoil over the winter.

Store the fruit in a dark, dry place.