Garlic: Benefits, properties and composition of garlic
Table of contents
O garlic is one of the biggest culinary darlings. Rich in benefits, it has been considered the new health food of the moment. Inseparable duo of the onion, it is popularly used as a seasoning. But, it also contains properties for medicinal use.
It is a source of minerals, such as manganese and selenium, both of which are important for the organism, i.e., the first is essential for oxygen transportation in the body, while selenium acts against free radicals, thus acting directly with the immune system.
In addition, it is a source of vitamins, especially C, essential for immunity, and B6, which acts in protein synthesis.
In addition, it is also possible to prepare garlic tea or garlic water, which, when consumed frequently, help lower cholesterol and protect the heart.
Garlic composition
Thus, a 28-gram serving of garlic contains:
- Manganese : 23% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
- Vitamin B6 : 17% of RDI
- Vitamin C : 15% of RDI
- Selenium: 6% of RDI
- Fiber: 0.6 gram
- Finally, significant amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and vitamin B1
There are studies that say that garlic contributes to the improvement of the cardiovascular system, has antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory action. Likewise, it helps reduce the hardening of the arteries and is good for digestion. Learn more:
Garlic: Benefits and properties
Strengthens immunity
Garlic is abundant in vitamin C, which is directly linked to immunity. But not only that, it is also packed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Read more: Foods to boost immunity
Garlic promotes heart health
Among its many benefits, this one deserves to be highlighted. At first, the spice is known to reduce blood pressure and fight hypertension. Likewise, it helps improve cholesterol levels.
Improves brain function
It prevents diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia, and benefits brain health, due to its action against the oxidative process.
Athlete's ally
A source of energy, garlic reduces fatigue, which benefits physical activity and improves the performance of athletes. In addition, it prevents heart rate peaks that are too high, which can lead to, for example, a heart attack.
Fights viruses, fungi and bacteria
Finally, garlic has a sulfur compound, known as allicin, which confers antimicrobial action. Therefore, it inhibits the growth and proliferation of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Likewise, it helps eliminate toxins and pathological bacteria that affect the intestinal flora.
Garlic tea: How to make it and what benefits it brings
Widely used in popular medicine, the garlic tea is known to benefit immunity. Rich in antioxidants, its properties anti-inflammatory and naturally antiviral act in the prevention of diseases and infections, especially the flu.
It is also full of antioxidants that combat the action of free radicals, and allicin, the main substance responsible for its medicinal powers. In addition, garlic is also rich in minerals that nourish the body, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
Benefits of Garlic Tea
There are studies that say that garlic contributes to the improvement of the cardiovascular system, has antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory action. Likewise, it helps reduce the hardening of the arteries and is good for digestion. Learn more:
Strengthens immunity
Being full of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, garlic is a natural immune system strengthener. Moreover, in India, scientists have proven the antioxidant potential of this tea in a study written in 2018.
Read more: Antiviral herbs to strengthen immunity and fight infection
Protects the heart
In addition to its protective effect against inflammation, allicin may also reduce atherosclerosis and fat deposition and help to lower the blood pressure In other words, it helps protect heart health, especially against hypertension.
Improves breathing
The tea is especially well known for its effective fight against the flu and other respiratory diseases. The reason for this is that garlic stimulates the respiratory functions due to its expectorant and antiseptic properties, which make breathing easier. In addition, it also fights coughs.
Smooth young skin
Finally, the drink also benefits the skin's appearance, as it combats the action of free radicals in the body, i.e. oxidative stress. Thus, it is oxidative stress that is most responsible for premature aging of the skin and the appearance of wrinkles.
Ingredients for garlic tea
- 2 cloves of garlic;
- Approximately 250 ml of boiling water;
- Honey - optional;
- Lemon - optional;
- Ginger - optional;
- Turmeric - optional.