The Garlic Rule + Health Benefits
Garlic has been known for its medicinal properties and is very popular for seasoning food in the culinary world, but if you are not following this simple rule for preparing garlic you may be missing out on some of its health benefits.
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What is garlic?
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a very popular plant, it is used frequently in cooking and for many is a go-to for seasoning food. Garlic is part of the Allium family, which is the onion family, so it is related to onions, shallots, chives, and leeks. The mass of garlic is called a bulb and each individual piece is called a clove. Garlic is not only known as a food but is also known for its health and medicinal properties.
Garlic Health Benefits
Garlic has been known to boost the immune system, reducing colds or reducing the length of cold symptoms. Studies have also shown that garlic also has an anti-inflammatory effect and in the long term may also lead to reduced risks of certain types of cancer.
There are also links showing that consuming garlic can reduce blood pressure in individuals who have high blood pressure. Garlic can improve cholesterol levels.
The Garlic Rule Revealed
The way most of us prepare and cook garlic actually can destroy its medicinal properties.
Garlic contains alliin and alliinase and when these two proteins are chopped, crushed, or chewed they create allicin. But if garlic is thrown in the heat too soon, Alliinase, which is heat sensitive, will be destroyed and the allicin will not be activated. If allicin is not activated then neither are garlic's medicinal properties. That means no antibacterial, anticancer, lower blood pressure, or cholesterol properties.
So here is the 10 minutes garlic rule, before cooking always crush, mince or mash your garlic and then let the garlic sit for at least 10 minutes! This will give the proteins time to activate into allicin.
Garlic Recipes
This garlic aioli recipe is super easy to make and it is 100% plant-based vegan which makes it a healthier option when compared to traditional aioli recipes. We like to pair this vegan aioli recipe with our earthy grain bowl recipe.
Roasted garlic is a simple addition that can add depth of flavor to other recipes. When garlic is roasted it becomes caramelized and the intense spicy garlic clove turns gentle and mildly nutty with a hint of sweetness.
Garlic, Final Words
There are many health benefits of garlic. This natural remedy is a potent way to help improve health. Just remember if you aren't eating it raw make sure to chop, mince, and crush your garlic first and let it sit for about 10 minutes before applying heat.
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