In popular parlance, the garlic plant is often referred to as the "penicillin of the south." Garlic is an integral part of Mediterranean cuisine. In doing so, residents of the Mediterranean simultaneously promote their health, as a decent portion of garlic per day effectively protects against, among other things, heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
Popular even among the Egyptians
Even before the discovery of antibiotics, garlic was used—especially in wartime—for wound treatment. Back then, sailors stored tons of garlic on their ships before setting sail, because the white garlic clove was even said to protect against the plague, among other things. During the construction of the Egyptian pyramids, garlic is also said to have exerted its beneficial effects: a daily ration of four whole bulbs is said to have ensured that the pyramid builders remained healthy and productive. The Egyptians considered it a sacred plant.
The garlic plant: an all-rounder in terms of health
Since the 1970s, the healing power of garlic has been considered scientifically proven. The most significant active ingredient in the bulb is allicin, an essential oil. Allicin is released as follows: alliin is the original component of the fresh bulb, which is converted into allicin when the cells are destroyed (by cutting or crushing the garlic cloves) through contact with the enzyme alliinase—at a ratio of approximately 2:1. This allicin is then also "responsible" for the typical garlic odor.
Strong for the immune system
Thanks to allicin, garlic, combined with vitamins A, B, C, and E, as well as enzymes, minerals, and trace elements, strengthens the immune defense and activates the metabolism. The heart and circulatory system in particular benefit from the consumption of the bulbous plant.
Professional for the cardiovascular system
In the fight against signs of aging, garlic is still considered to have miraculous effects to this day. For instance, it works against high blood pressure and high blood lipid levels. It also serves to prevent calcium deposits on the vessel walls, thin the blood, and lower cholesterol. Due to its blood sugar-lowering properties, it is particularly valued by people suffering from age-related diabetes.
Strong for digestion
The scordinins also contained in garlic have an antibacterial effect and therefore protect against illnesses such as gastrointestinal diseases: it disinfects the intestine and can thus also eliminate digestive problems.
Anti-cold remedy, anti-inflammatory
Mixed with lemon juice and a dash of olive oil or honey, the bulb is also considered a time-tested home remedy for colds and coughs. Consuming garlic also has an expectorant effect.
Garlic is also said to provide relief for sunburn, insect bites, pimples, warts, skin fungi, or herpes. For toothaches and inflammation, mouthwashes with diluted garlic vinegar are recommended.
The garlic plant as a cancer killer?
That is not all: according to current animal experiments by Israeli researchers, it is conceivable to use the active ingredient allicin in the treatment of cancer as well. The scientists have succeeded for the first time in mice in using a complex process to specifically channel the enzyme alliinase and the garlic substance alliin into malignant tumors, which released the active ingredient allicin. Methodological research is currently still in its infancy, but the result is promising: the active ingredient allicin destroyed the degenerated tumor cells—without, however, affecting neighboring healthy cells. According to the speculation of the Israeli research group, this therapeutic approach could also potentially be capable of inhibiting metastasis in the future.
Garlic: "Consumption recommendations"
In order to benefit from all the positive properties of garlic, at least three garlic cloves should be on the daily menu. Ideally, Spanish garlic is used, as it records the highest alliin content. Garlic capsules also contain high-dose alliin or allicin in the form of garlic powder.
Those who do not count the taste of garlic among their culinary preferences can therefore also benefit from the positive properties of the active ingredient via high-quality garlic supplements. Unfortunately, both capsules and the garlic itself have the property of leaving an unpleasant odor in the mouth. Here, chlorophyll tablets (from the pharmacy) can provide effective relief.
Things you should know: These nutrients are in garlic plants
Nutrients in garlic (per 100 grams of edible portion of garlic)
400 mg potassium
40 mg calcium
25 mg magnesium
14 mg vitamin C
1.4 mg iron
0.58 mg zinc
6 µg selenium
3 µg iodine
• There is also black garlic, completely without garlic taste and garlic odor. You can read more about it here.
• Are you interested in garlic products? You can find out more about them here.
