Health Benefits of Garlic
November 1, 2023
Garlic is arguably a foodie's favourite ingredient, its distinct scent and flavour can take a dish from meh to amazing! In addition to being a delicious addition to any meal, garlic also contains essential nutrients and offers a range of health benefits - let’s have a closer look at garlic and its health benefits!
Nutritional Value
Garlic is very low in calories, but it still contains small amounts of essential nutrients such as vitamin A and C, the B vitamins, and minerals such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It is also high in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, and contains a compound called Allicin. Not only is allicin responsible for garlic’s unique scent and flavour, but it is also responsible for the many health benefits garlic has to offer!
Health Benefits
Although garlic can make food taste delicious, it actually has other applications as a functional food that can be beneficial for health as well!
Garlic is often used as a supplement to support heart health, due to its effects on blood pressure and cholesterol! Studies have found that garlic supplementation can help lower blood pressure, as garlic has anticoagulant effects - meaning it can help thin blood! Garlic consumption has also been found to contribute to lowering total cholesterol levels as well as LDL, also known as “bad cholesterol” levels.
Garlic is also known for its antiviral and antimicrobial effects, which can help support immune function. In fact, one study found that individuals who supplemented with an aged garlic extract during cold and flu season had less severe symptoms during illness, and less missed days of school and work than the placebo group. Although garlic won’t prevent you from catching a cold or flu altogether, it can make the illness a little more bearable to get through!
Garlic may be beneficial to exercise performance as well, by having a small effect on VO2 max, and it can also help reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory markers after exercise - meaning it may help reduce muscle soreness!
And lastly, garlic may even help you live longer! One study found that individuals who ate garlic at least once a week lived longer than those who ate garlic less than once a week. If this isn't a sign to start incorporating garlic into every recipe you make, I’m not sure what is!
How to Incorporate More Garlic Into Your Diet
Soups, stews, salads, garlic bread… There are so many different ways to incorporate garlic into your diet! Making your meals from scratch with garlic can also help make more balanced and nutritious dishes - why not try some new recipes while you’re at it?
If you’re not a huge fan of garlicky foods and dishes, why not try MOBU Garlic Tablets instead? These provide all the benefits of garlic, without having to include them in your meal!
