Imagine any dish (so long as its savory), that you could’t enhance withgarlic.
Along with the incredible flavor value, many people report thevegetable has immune-supporting properties.
As cold and flu season approaches, we need to know: Just how accurate are those health claims?
Health benefits of garlic.
“Chronic inflammation can be a trigger for chronic diseaseand takes its toll on the body over time.
Garlic and your immune system.
Most of these properties, like antioxidants, help manage inflammation by fighting free radicals.
In this sense, theantioxidants in garlic are protective1against cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, Moday says.
Can garlic prevent you from getting sick?
Many studies say garlic ostensibly shortens the duration of colds and flus and may even prevent them.
The group taking thegarlic supplement was 63% less likely to develop a cold2.
So how does this happen?
Ultimately, she says this helps wipe out virusesbeforethey make their way into the system.
The best ways to use garlic for maximum benefits.
To reap the benefits without the intense flavor, she recommends adding raw garlic to soups orpesto.
Oddly enough, chopping garlic is another good way to get more benefits from it.
The enzymatic process requires about 15 minutes to take effect, though.
“Bottom line: Don’t eat or cook with garlic right away,” she says.
“You want to let it sit for a while before you do.”
Cooking with garlic is perfectly fine (in fact, encouraged) for optimal flavor.
But in terms of health benefits, Gedroic says heat can reduce the effectiveness.
Other home remedies for colds.
If you’re not a fan of garlic, well, I’m impressed you read this far.
Increasing garlic consumption may be a natural (and delicious) way to do just that.