Garlic, which is used daily in our kitchen, is not only limited to enhancing taste and aroma, but it is also a treasure of health. Garlic is an essential ingredient in all types of vegetables and many special dishes, whose aroma and pungency make the food special.
Garlic not only enhances the taste of food, but it is also considered a superfood, because its medicinal properties are beneficial for health in many ways. Apart from this, garlic is also considered helpful in detoxifying the body, boosting immunity and weight loss to some extent. Let us tell you that most of the people use garlic incorrectly for cooking, due to which your body does not get its full benefits.
If you want to get benefits from garlic then follow the 10 minute rule…
If you want all the active and medicinal properties of garlic to be included in your food, then definitely follow the ’10 minute rule’. Under this rule, whenever you are going to cook garlic, cut or crush it at least 10 minutes before cooking and leave it for some time. This gives time to the allicin and alliinase to react and the allicin that benefits the body is completely formed. Let us tell you that the anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-oxidant properties present in allicin make it effective like a natural medicine, which can help in increasing immunity and fighting many types of infections.
1. Boosts Immunity
Allicin and other sulfur-containing compounds present in garlic activate the disease-fighting white blood cells of the body. Its regular consumption prevents infections, cold, flu and seasonal diseases. It can be said that garlic works like a natural antibiotic and strengthens the immune system.
2. Beneficial for heart health
Consumption of garlic is considered very beneficial for heart health. The allicin and sulfur containing elements present in it help in widening of blood vessels (vasodilation), which keeps blood pressure under control and does not put pressure on the heart. Let us tell you that it helps in reducing bad cholesterol (LDL) and increasing good cholesterol (HDL), which reduces the risk of blockage and heart attack. Garlic works to thin the blood, which reduces the chances of blood clots, which often cause heart attack or stroke.
3. Helpful in controlling diabetes (Helps Manage Diabetes)
The sulfur-containing compounds and antioxidants present in garlic help in controlling blood sugar levels. This can be especially beneficial for type 2 diabetes patients. Garlic can increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which improves glucose absorption and keeps blood sugar levels under control. Garlic also reduces inflammation and oxidative stress associated with diabetes, thereby preventing long-term complications.
4. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties (Natural Antibiotic Properties)
Allicin, the main active compound present in garlic, is naturally rich in anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. It gives the body strength to fight harmful microorganisms (germs). It is capable of destroying many types of harmful bacteria and viruses. Acts like a natural antibiotic, which helps fight infection without any side effects. Consumption of garlic provides relief from problems like cold, sore throat, nasal congestion and viral fever and can also reduce their duration.
5. Improves Digestion
Consumption of garlic helps in strengthening the digestive system. The sulfur-containing compounds, fiber and anti-microbial properties present in it clean the intestines and keep the digestion process healthy. It is helpful in expelling the gas accumulated in the intestines, relieving constipation and better digestion of food. It also promotes the number of good bacteria in the stomach and eliminates harmful bacteria, thereby improving gut health.
6. May Help Prevent Cancer
Allicin, sulfur-containing compounds and antioxidants present in garlic protect the body cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is why garlic is considered helpful in preventing many types of cancer. Some studies have found that regular consumption of garlic can reduce the risk of stomach, large intestine and lung cancer. The anti-cancer properties present in garlic can prevent the growth of cancer cells, as well as strengthen the body’s natural immune system.
7. Beneficial for skin and hair
The antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties present in garlic are considered extremely beneficial for skin and hair. It helps in removing toxins from the body, which improves the health of skin and hair. The anti-oxidants present in garlic detoxify the skin from within and make it glowing and clean. Its anti-bacterial properties help fight acne and pimples. Garlic increases blood circulation in the scalp, which strengthens the hair roots. The sulfur and selenium present in it promote hair growth and prevent hair fall.
8. Helps in Weight Loss
Garlic can help in the weight loss process naturally. The compounds present in it accelerate metabolism, which increases the body’s ability to burn calories. It activates brown fat tissue, which converts the fat stored in the body into energy. This helps in reducing fat. According to some research, garlic can reduce hunger and cravings, thereby preventing overeating.
If you want to be healthy then follow the 10 minute rule of eating garlic.