WEDNESDAY, April 11 is National Garlic Day which celebrates the history of garlic, in addition to its incredible health benefits. National Garlic Day helps people explore the history of the mighty bulb and learn how it came to be one of the most popular flavours in the world.
Garlic is quite versatile and has a range of medicinal purposes. Garlic is considered a herbal remedy for colds and may reduce blood pressure and cholesterol; it also possesses fantastic antibiotic properties.
Also known as the stinking rose, garlic is a member of the Allium family. This family also includes onions, leeks and shallots we use in some of our favourite dishes.
History of National Garlic Day
Garlic is known as one of the most essential flavouring bulbs that have been used throughout human history. Wild garlic has been traced back to Central Asia more than 5 000 years ago.
The earliest uses of garlic in cooking were by the people of the Medieval and Renaissance times. It was only used in small doses in sauces because it was considered to be peasant food since it is technically just a root dug up from the ground. It wasn’t until the late 19th century that garlic was recognised by culinary chefs.
Today, garlic festivals exist throughout local towns in various places as garlic is used in many dishes all over the world. National Garlic Day has been around since the 1990s and honours the powerful little bulb that adds so much flavour to dishes.
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Health Benefits
In addition to magical powers, garlic is known to have herbal medicinal properties, including being able to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Here are some of the amazing health benefits of garlic:
Garlic contains compounds with potent medicinal properties
Garlic is grown for its distinctive taste and health benefits. It contains sulphur compounds, which are believed to be responsible for some of those health benefits. The sulphur compounds from garlic enter your body from the digestive tract. They then travel all over your body, exerting strong biological effects.
The active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure
High doses of garlic improve blood pressure for those with known high blood pressure (hypertension). In some instances, supplements may be as effective as regular medications. Supplement doses must be fairly high to have the desired effects. The amount needed is equivalent to about four cloves of garlic per day.
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Garlic improves brain function
Free radicals contribute to the aging process. Antioxidants from garlic help protect the body from oxidative damage. An increased amount of antioxidants in your diet can boost brain health. This method may prevent the onset of brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia. Shield your cells from harm by eating more garlic.
Garlic helps with digestion
Garlic stimulates your stomach membrane to create more gastric juices, which aids digestion. Your liver also releases toxins from the body thanks to garlic. Garlic can also protect your liver from harm. However, that does not mean you should consume excessive amounts of the smelly spice because it can irritate your tract and lead to heartburn. Overeating garlic can cause bloating, gas, and an upset stomach. Consuming garlic creates bad breath, too. It may act as a blood thinner and interfere with related medications including HIV drugs. Make sure you discuss your diet with your doctor before increasing your daily garlic intake.
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