The Benefits of Garlic
By Randi Morse
I will be the first person to admit that I am a selective eater. There are a lot of things I don't like, especially onions. I used to get frustrated because I was not able to enjoy a wide variety of food like the rest of my family did. As I got older I learned to be more creative in my cooking, and I also learned there are some foods that can add tons of flavor to a recipe without forcing me to eat something I don't care for. Garlic has become one of my go-to foods, which is great because it's actually extremely beneficial to your health!
Raw vs. Cooked
Most people eat garlic only when it is cooked, but there is a select number of people who believe that eating raw garlic provides a number of health benefits that cooked garlic does not. For example, raw garlic is filled with tons of minerals and vitamins it has amazing anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies have even shown that it can help protect your liver from toxins and can assist your body in lowering blood sugar levels. The only problem is that raw garlic is intense and it can cause a burning sensation in your mouth and may also create gastrointestinal issues as well. If you're interested in the health benefits of raw garlic, start by eating a tiny amount and see how your body reacts to it.
Nutritious and Healthy
When you include garlic in your diet you are adding some nutrients that your body needs including manganese, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, fiber, and selenium. One clove of garlic is only one gram of carbohydrate, which makes it an excellent way for people who are watching their sugar intake to get amazing flavor without adding extra carbs to their diet.
A study was completed in which volunteers took a daily garlic supplement for 12 weeks. The study found that the people who took the supplement were much less likely to get a cold than those who had a placebo. It also found that people who had cold symptoms had a great reduction in the severity of those symptoms, which makes garlic the perfect thing to add to your chicken noodle soup if you're not feeling well.
Because it's such a versatile food, garlic can be added to almost any savory dish and is often found in Asian cuisine. Try adding a little extra garlic to your meals and see if it improves your health.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.