40 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Garlic
If aroma intensity equates to health benefits, garlic is a surefire winner. It’s flavorful, valuable, and versatile.
Looking to boost your heart health or keep mosquitoes away?
As it turns out, garlic can accomplish an impressive array of tasks. Read on for everything you’ve ever wanted to know about garlic.
Surprising Health Benefits of Garlic
1Many of garlic's benefits stem from the chemical allicin, which is released when garlic is chopped, bruised, or chewed.
2Antioxidants help keep your immune system in check, aiding in the prevention of colds.
3Garlic supports maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels within the normal range and promotes heart health.
4Promote health around your lips by rubbing a slice of garlic on the area.
5Support healthy weight management by incorporating a garlic-rich diet.
6Its anti-fungal properties can help eliminate athlete’s foot by soaking your feet in garlic water.
7Polysulfides in garlic are known to support healthy blood pressure levels already within the normal range.
8It can also help calm and soothe the skin. Rub the area with a slice of garlic.
9The antioxidants in garlic kill bacteria, which can help support skin health.
10Its anti-inflammatory properties can help combat autoimmune diseases.
11Research indicates that consuming garlic supports cellular health.
12Promote healthy circulation.
13For a calming, soothing drink, steep raw, minced garlic in hot water, strain, and drink as tea. Add ginger, honey, or sugar to enhance the flavor.
14High iodine levels make garlic excellent for supporting thyroid health.
Inventive Ways You Didn't Know You Could Use Garlic
15Remove a splinter by placing a slice of garlic over the area and covering it with a bandage.
16Prevent food poisoning.
17Use garlic as fish bait. Certain fish species are attracted to its scent.
18Protect your garden by making a natural pesticide from garlic, mineral oil, water, and liquid soap. Critters and pests don’t like garlic!
19Keeping garlic nearby is said to ward off mosquitoes... and vampires!
20High allicin levels in garlic are said to support hair health. Massage your scalp with garlic oil.
21Strengthen fingernails: Add chopped fresh garlic to a bottle of clear nail polish, let it sit for 7 to 10 days, then apply to nails.
22Rub garlic oil around the outside of the ear.
23Fill small cracks in glass by rubbing them with sticky garlic juice and wiping away the excess.
24Mix chopped garlic with vinegar and lemon juice and use as a disinfectant or cleaner.
25Cure your rose plant from aphid attacks by spritzing the leaves with a crushed garlic/water mix.
Tips & Fun Facts You Never Knew About Garlic
26Garlic is a member of the Lily family and is closely related to onions, shallots, leeks, and chives.
27Garlic was given to slaves who built the pyramids to enhance their endurance and strength.
28Greek and Roman soldiers consumed garlic before battles.
29Garlic is most nutritious if you let it sit for 5-10 minutes before heating. This activates the allicin.
30Each clove of garlic contains only 4 calories.
31Add freshly chopped garlic towards the end of cooking. Excessive heating can diminish its nutrients.
32April 19 is National Garlic Day.
33Garlic is a good source of manganese and vitamin B6, and it also contains vitamin C, copper, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B1, and calcium.
34China produces the most garlic worldwide.
35Garlic doesn't need to be refrigerated.
36There are 300 varieties of garlic grown around the world.
37Botulism can develop in homemade garlic oil. Prevent this by using it immediately and preparing it fresh each time.
38To peel an entire head of garlic, place it between two same-sized bowls or cups, and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds or until all cloves are detached from their peels.
39Alliumphobia is an extreme fear of garlic.
40Common remedies for eliminating garlic breath include drinking water, eating mint leaves, or using a salt or lemon rinse.
Have another garlic tip or a recipe to share? Leave it in the comments!
Sources
Leave a comment