The One Ingredient With Surprising Benefits

By Stepy Kamei

There are some foods that are chock-full of flavor. Meanwhile, other foods are full of nutritional value and other health benefits. When you find the rare crossover that combines the two, and you get an ingredient that's delicious and healthy, you've definitely hit the jackpot! There are a few ingredients you can find easily in grocery stores that do provide the best of both worlds. One of the best ingredients that fulfills flavor and benefits to your overall health and wellness is garlic. Keep on reading to learn more about the many health benefits of garlic, and how you can add this nutritious ingredient into many of your favorite meals.

The Secret Power of Garlic

What exactly is in garlic that makes it so beneficial to your overall health? As it turns out, the same compound that gives garlic its strong, distinct flavor (not to mention smell) is also the reason why it can benefit -- or even improve -- our health. Garlic naturally contains a compound known as allicin. 

Notably, allicin contains sulfur, which is what contributes to the smell and taste of the spice. However, allicin also converts to other multiple sulfur-containing compounds that also provide nutrients and benefits to your well-being.

Scientific studies have shown a definitive link between these compounds and the following health benefits.

Garlic Boosts Your Immune System

Studies have proven that people who regularly consume garlic, whether in supplement form or in a meal, tend to have higher immune system function than those who don't consume garlic as often. The compound allicin is thought to have a huge hand in this important health benefit.

Garlic Can Fight Colds, Flu, and Infections

Given the fact that garlic helps to boost the immune system, it shouldn't be too surprising to learn that garlic can fight off infections such as the cold or flu. Garlic consumption can help prevent sickness from ever occurring in the first place. However, if you do get sick, consuming garlic-filled foods and broths can help reduce the severity of symptoms or even shorten the amount of time that you do feel sick.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Garlic

If you love the taste of garlic, be sure to incorporate it into as many recipes as you want! Garlic provides a wealth of benefits, not to mention it fits well into many foods. You can always consider taking a garlic supplement if you want the benefits but aren't keen on the taste.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fort Worth, Tex.