Garlic: health benefits and harms

Garlic is a herbaceous plant belonging to the onion family. Vegetable is very popular all over the world, often it is used as seasoning.

The ancestor of this plant can be called long-pointed garlic, which was common in Central Asia. As early as 2600 BC e. Sumerian tribes, compiling lists of products, always included garlic in it. It is assumed that ancient civilizations treated the vegetable with special respect, because they believed that it has supernatural properties. The Egyptians thought that garlic helps maintain the physical strength of a person. Legends say that some pharaohs ordered every day to give slaves involved in the construction of the pyramids, a portion of garlic.

Ancient Egyptian healers wrote about the healing properties of this vegetable in their treatises. Garlic also had its recognition in ancient Greece. Hippocrates recommended the use of honey with garlic to treat airways. The ancient Romans used garlic to fight intestinal parasites, and also wore it as a talisman.

The vegetable came to the territory of Russia from Byzantium in the 9th century. During the Middle Ages, garlic was very popular in the East and was used as an ingredient in various dishes. On the European continent, it was considered a medicinal plant, the healing properties of which became the reason for inventing various legends, for example, that the vegetable helps fight evil spirits. Some doctors of that period believed that this vegetable could cure the plague. In the 19th century, the French chemist Louis Pasteur first described in detail the antiseptic properties of the plant.

Types of garlic

There are two types of garlic - winter and spring. It is customary to plant winter garlic in autumn, and spring in spring.

What is the difference between spring garlic and winter

1. Winter varieties have a core around which there are cloves. When separating the teeth, the core remains. Spring varieties do not have a core.
2. Spring garlic has cloves, which are arranged in a spiral in 2-3 rows, while closer to the center, the teeth are smaller. In winter varieties, the teeth are placed in one row.
3. Winter garlic has fewer teeth, but they are more even and have a larger size. Spring fruits have a large number of cloves, but they are small.
4. Spring varieties do not produce shooters. Winter varieties throw arrows for reproduction.

Composition and calorie content

100 g of product contain:

• Calories - 149.
• Proteins - 6.5 g.
• Fats - 0.5 g.
• Carbohydrates - 29.9 g.

Garlic contains nitrogenous substances and fiber. It contains potassium and calcium, phosphoric and sulfuric acid, it is also rich in phytosterols, bioflavonoids, extractive substances.

What is useful garlic

General benefit

1. Strengthens the immune system. Garlic extract helps stimulate the growth of white blood cells (lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils) by increasing glutathione. White blood cells are immune cells that provide protection against infections. Glutathione is an antioxidant that protects immune cells from free radicals.
2. Helps treat colds and flu. Garlic helps ease the severity of colds and flu by increasing the number of immune cells. Vegetables increase their activity while reducing the amount of inflammatory proteins (cytokines), therefore, accelerates the healing process.
3. Helps treat yeast infections. Substances contained in garlic inhibit the development of candidiasis - the most common type of yeast infection. Allicin inhibits the growth of candida, destroying substances that provoke the development and spread of infection.
4. Prevents tooth decay and treats infections of the oral cavity. Garlic has an antibacterial effect on plaque bacteria, which, if untreated, cause tooth decay. It also helps to get rid of infections of the oral cavity - periodontitis, thrush and toothaches. Vegetable can be used directly in combination with antibiotics - this will only enhance the effect.
5. May help with HIV therapy. A study was conducted that showed that the substances contained in garlic can inhibit the growth, development and selectively destroy HIV-infected cells. The substance diallyldisulfide helps to slow the spread of the virus, reducing the production of proteins involved in HIV replication. Garlic prevents the fusion of normal blood cells with HIV-infected people, so the virus cannot actively develop.
6. Helps treat ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori. Garlic has an antibacterial effect that very effectively helps fight helicobacter pylori - one of the most common bacterial infections in the world and the main cause of ulcers. Garlic oil can be used as a treatment for ulcers, since it helps increase the concentration of antioxidant enzymes and suppresses substances that cause inflammation.
7. Helps treat intestinal infections caused by parasites. Garlic is an excellent assistant in the treatment of intestinal parasitic infections, for example, giardiasis. Allicin contained in the vegetable prevents the reproduction of parasites. It also enhances immune function and strengthens the body's defense mechanisms against parasitic infections.
8. May help treat brain cancer. The substances contained in the vegetable reduce the spread of affected cancer cells and help destroy them. Diallyl trisulfide, a compound found in garlic, can help reduce the size of a brain tumor.
9. It is a prophylactic against cancer of the esophagus. Experiments in experimental rats showed that diallyl sulfide, one of the components of garlic, delays the formation of esophageal tumors.
10. Prevents bladder cancer. Garlic inhibits the growth of bladder tumors by stimulating immune cells and detoxifying carcinogens. It increases the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes that fight cancer cells. The substances contained in the vegetable also help to remove toxins from the body, activating antioxidant enzymes.
11. Stops the progression of prostate cancer. Acid S-allylcysteine ​​inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells and activates the functioning of proteins that inhibit tumor development.
12. It treats allergies. Garlic is able to suppress allergic reactions.The substances contained in this vegetable are able to directly inhibit proteins that support inflammatory factors during allergic reactions.
13. Protects skin from ultraviolet rays. Exposure to ultraviolet rays affects urocanic acid contained in the skin, which leads to inhibition of the immune system. Eating garlic can prevent this situation, since the substances contained in this vegetable help to reduce the concentration of urocanic acid in the skin.
14. It has anti-aging effect. Long-term topical treatment with garlic extract can have a rejuvenating effect, since it increases the growth and lifespan of skin cells. The antioxidants in garlic prevent damage caused by free radicals. Garlic also contains cytokinin, a hormone that is involved in the development of cells and, thanks to its antioxidant effects, slows down their aging.
15. Eliminates scars. Regular consumption of garlic can get rid of keloid scars, which grow as a result of collagen production disorders.
16. Helps with hair loss. There are various garlic gels and creams that help treat patients suffering from alopecia, a type of hair loss resulting from the effects of immune cells on hair follicles. The compounds contained in garlic help prevent hair loss and stimulate their regrowth.
17. Lowers cholesterol. Garlic lowers total cholesterol and low density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL cholesterol is harmful because it clogs blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Garlic lowers cholesterol by deactivating cholesterol-producing enzymes.
18. Lowers blood pressure. This vegetable is especially useful for people suffering from hypertension. This is due to an increase in calcium and a decrease in the level of C-reactive protein - factors that often provoke an increase in blood pressure. Another factor causing hypertension is sulfur deficiency. Allicin is a sulfur compound in garlic that lowers blood pressure by increasing the concentration of an element. This helps to relax the muscles of the blood vessels and prevents their narrowing.
19. Helps prevent heart disease. Heart dysfunctions are often associated with excessive cholesterol, high blood pressure, increased platelet aggregation, and clogged blood vessels. Platelets help stop bleeding by clotting when necessary, for example, after physical damage. However, platelet aggregation sometimes leads to blood clots, which increase the risk of heart disease. Garlic prevents platelet aggregation in patients with impaired cardiovascular system. Regular use also contributes to the relaxation of blood vessels and lowers blood pressure.
20. Prevents obesity. Garlic affects the accumulation of fat. The substances contained in it contribute to the activation of proteins in adipose tissue, liver and muscles, which convert nutrients to heat instead of putting them off in the body. In addition, the body responds to the ingestion of garlic by the formation of peroxides, activating enzymes that destroy fat cells.
21. Removes toxins from the liver. Pesticides, environmental pollutants and a variety of chemicals can cause oxidative stress and provoke inflammation in the human body. Garlic helps to eliminate toxins due to its antioxidant properties. Sulfur-containing compounds in this vegetable reduce oxidative stress, and also help eliminate various inflammations. More specifically, garlic helps to remove toxins from the liver, increasing the activity of detoxifying enzymes.It also inhibits enzymes that produce free radicals and stimulate oxidative stress.
22. Prevents brain damage. S-allylcysteine ​​is an antioxidant found in garlic extract that protects a person from brain damage. S-allylcysteine ​​activates antioxidant enzymes in this organ that suppress free radicals, preventing their negative effects.
23. Improves memory. Garlic raises the level of serotonin in the brain and helps improve cognitive function. Garlic oil improves memory function and cognitive function by increasing neuronal growth.
24. It has neuroprotective properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of raw vegetables help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
25. Prevents heavy metal poisoning. High doses of garlic can prevent organ damage caused by heavy metals. Sulfur compounds in the product reduce the concentration of lead in the blood. Sulfur also contributes to better absorption of iron and zinc in the blood.
26. Heals wounds. Garlic can be used to treat infected wounds. To get an effect from it, it is necessary to place a mashed clove of garlic in the infected area, this will lead to almost instant relief.
27. Useful for bones. With regular use of garlic, weakening of bone tissue can be minimized and overall bone condition improved. Vegetables also affect estrogen levels in women during menopause, preventing the risk of osteoarthritis.
28. Beneficial effect on the eyes. Garlic is rich in nutrients such as selenium, quercetin, and vitamin C. They are all important in maintaining health and in treating eye infections and inflammations.
29. Supports ear health. Garlic, due to its antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties, can be used to relieve ear pain and treat infections.
30. Prevents the occurrence of acne. Garlic, along with other ingredients such as honey, cream and turmeric, can be used as a means to prevent acne. A vegetable is an effective skin cleanser and an antibiotic that helps treat various skin diseases. These include skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes, and blisters.
31. Controls asthma. Cooked garlic cloves are effective in treating asthma. Every night before going to bed, drinking a glass of milk with 3 boiled cloves can greatly alleviate the condition of patients with asthma. In addition, garlic can also be used to treat lung infections such as cystic fibrosis.
32. It is a natural aphrodisiac. Garlic has aphrodisiac properties, so it can be used as a means to stimulate sexual function. It enhances libido in both men and women. People who are prone to excessive sexual activity should consume garlic to protect themselves from nervous exhaustion.

For women

The main benefit of garlic for women is that this product can prevent the development of breast and uterine cancer. Doctors recommend including garlic in the diet during the gestation period. A vegetable can also get rid of femoral osteoarthritis, which is most common in women after 50 years. This disease adversely affects the health of the knee and hip joints, and also sometimes affects the spine.

Garlic will help a woman not only take care of internal health, but also maintain external beauty. A fresh vegetable will contribute to the easy and quick strengthening of hair roots and will provoke their growth, which will make the hair thicker. Garlic can also be used to combat alopecia. If you rub garlic juice into the scalp on a regular basis, you can improve blood circulation in this part of the body, which will lead to the strengthening of follicles.

For men

One of the greatest values ​​of garlic for men is its effect on sexual function.This vegetable helps to increase erectile abilities and normalizes potency, and also positively affects the overall health of the body.

If you believe the results of comprehensive studies, it turns out that the consumption of fresh garlic on a regular basis reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer by almost half. In addition, garlic is able to suppress the spread of various infections, some of which provoke male infertility. This vegetable helps increase potency, normalizes blood circulation in the groin, which leads to a qualitative improvement in sperm composition.

During pregnancy

Garlic is an excellent immunostimulating product that can destroy germs and improve digestion. It also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and normalizes heart function. During pregnancy, he can replace drugs that are prohibited, as they can harm the baby.

If you do not observe the norm of consumption, garlic can adversely affect the general condition of the body. This manifests itself in the form of heartburn, allergies, or blood thinning. In addition, this vegetable is incompatible with certain medications, so unforeseen side effects may occur that will lead to an increased risk of pregnancy.

The permissible intake of garlic is up to 2 cloves in the first and second trimester, in the third - it is not recommended to use the product.

When breastfeeding

As a rule, pediatricians do not prohibit eating garlic during lactation. The child, most likely, will not even notice any changes.

Some experts say that the substances contained in garlic can provoke an increase in appetite in a baby, but you should not be afraid of this. At the same time, it is very important to observe consumption restrictions. In a newborn, the internal organs are not yet fully adapted and cannot normally digest everything. Therefore, like any other product, garlic must be introduced into the diet gradually. Until the child turns 3 months old, this vegetable is better not to eat. Starting from 4 months, you can slowly include in the diet a third of a clove of garlic per day. It is important to monitor the condition of the baby after eating. If no problems arose, then the daily rate can be increased to one clove.

For kids

Children are allowed to give garlic. This product has a large number of useful properties, however, you need to introduce it into the baby’s diet in stages. It is forbidden to feed the child with fresh, sharp garlic, and also at first it is forbidden to even smell it. Heat-treated garlic can be given to a baby no earlier than 8 months and only boiled. The product must be introduced gradually as part of other dishes. When the child is 3 years old, he can already be given fresh garlic. From 10 years, the maximum daily norm is up to 3 cloves.

When losing weight

Garlic contains allicin - a substance that suppresses a sense of appetite, and can also provide stable weight maintenance after a diet. In addition, garlic is useful in losing weight, as it:

1. Normalizes blood glucose. Fluctuations in sugar can increase appetite, and also affect the activity of hormones responsible for fat deposition.
2. It normalizes blood circulation and helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which affects weight.
3. It promotes the assimilation of "good" cholesterol and fights with "bad", normalizes fat metabolism in tissues.

Sometimes the cause of extra pounds can be adrenaline production disorders - this is a hormone that is involved in the breakdown of fats and a decrease in appetite. With regular use of garlic, these processes largely return to normal, while the production of cortisol, a hormone that negatively affects muscle proteins, is suppressed.

The benefits of garlic in combination with other ingredients

Garlic has a large number of useful properties, the effect of which can be enhanced if used in combination with other products.

With milk

1. The biologically active substances contained in garlic and the milk bacteria present in milk help to strengthen the immune system and activate the protective functions of the body.
2. A mixture of garlic with milk has a positive effect on the digestive system, eliminates constipation and bloating.
3. Milk and garlic shakes help the body absorb nutrients better.
4. It is also worth noting the beneficial effect of the drink on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, since excess cholesterol is eliminated, the structure of the vascular walls is strengthened.
5. The symbiosis of these products helps to reduce the intensity of pain syndromes in cases of arthritis.

In addition, the tool has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, relieves anxiety and eliminates insomnia. Milk with garlic helps to cope with impaired reproductive function, restores the balance of bacteria in the intestines and fights against parasitic infestations.

With honey

The symbiosis of garlic and honey is a real healing tool.

1. It improves blood circulation and has a tonic effect on the cardiovascular system.
2. It dilutes blood, prevents the formation of blood clots, prevents the formation of varicose veins, while activating the heart muscle, lowering blood pressure.
3. Helps purify the blood from harmful accumulations and excess cholesterol due to the presence of antioxidants.
4. It weakens chronic inflammatory processes, helps fight them, as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
5. It is a means of preventing acute respiratory viral infections and the treatment of colds.

Sometimes such a composition is prescribed as an additional treatment for cough, as it not only helps to fight its pathogen, but also cleans the airways and stimulates coughing.

With lemon

Garlic-lemon tinctures are very healthy. Quite often, this drink is used as a means for cleaning vessels. Cholesterol tends to accumulate in the body. This is due to the consumption of foods containing a lot of animal fats. This leads to the accumulation of cholesterol in the plaques and their deposition in the vessels. At the same time, their elasticity decreases, pressure increases, and blood clots can also form. Tincture on garlic with lemon helps lower blood cholesterol and also prevents plaque formation. Vitamin C breaks down and removes these harmful accumulations from the body. The drink helps cleanse the vessels of toxins and improves metabolism.

With kefir

Another useful remedy is a mixture of garlic with kefir. This tool has a lot of useful properties. With regular use, metabolic processes normalize, so the mixture helps to effectively get rid of extra pounds. Kefir with garlic is perfect as an additional dish during the unloading period, as it will help saturate the body without overloading the stomach with fats and calories. The symbiosis of kefir with garlic helps to produce gastric juice, which leads to an increase in appetite.

The tool should be used by people who suffer from gastrointestinal dysbiosis, as well as in the presence of parasites. Kefir with garlic will help cleanse the intestines of eggs and helminth larvae.

Pickled garlic: benefits and harms

Even heat-treated garlic has useful bioactive substances (allicin and ajoen), which are involved in the production of hydrogen sulfide, which is a natural antioxidant. The obvious advantage of a pickled vegetable is that it protects the body from bacterial viral diseases, atherosclerosis and scurvy. It can be used to lower the level of bad cholesterol and prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system.

With all the useful qualities of pickled garlic, it is not necessary to overdo it with a dosage, since it brings benefits only in case of rational consumption.

The harmful effects of pickled garlic can be observed in case of intolerance. This can provoke headache attacks, a decrease in reaction speed and attention.

What is boiled garlic useful for

During cooking, garlic produces adenosine, a substance that weakens blood clotting activity, which reduces the risk of blood clots. Regular use of boiled garlic helps to normalize blood composition, reduce blood pressure and cleanse blood vessels. In addition, low density lipoproteins are removed from the blood, and the intestines are cleaned of parasites and germs.

The benefits and harms of roasted garlic

Roasted garlic primarily attracts attention due to the absence of a pungent odor, as well as a characteristic aftertaste. But there are more important reasons, based on which, such garlic should be included in your diet. So, he is one of a number of products that increase their positive qualities after frying. It helps cleanse the intestines of toxins, normalizes the immune system, prevents oxidation of the body, improves metabolic processes and burns fats. Roasted garlic helps eliminate fluids from the body, destroys germs, and also helps fight cancer cells.

If we talk about the negative effects of fried garlic, it can be noted that in large quantities it negatively affects the functioning of the brain, causes distraction, slows down reactions and provokes headaches.

The beneficial properties of baked garlic

Baked garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps cleanse the body of bacteria. It destroys parasites, pathogens and supports the intestines. Garlic also helps the liver in the process of eliminating toxins, toxins, toxic compounds and carcinogens. Regular consumption of baked garlic stimulates metabolic processes that accelerate weight loss. Already after 14-18 days after the start of the use of this product, you can notice an increase in endurance and increased performance.

The benefits of dried garlic

Garlic helps accelerate the healing process of wounds, destroys various viruses and microbes. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure and minimizes the risk of blood clots. Dried garlic facilitates the elimination of sputum from the body, slows growth and fights the development of cancer cells, especially in smokers.

The use of one head of garlic 1 time in 3 days reduces the risk of developing oncology by 30%.

The benefits and application of garlic husks

Garlic husk has biologically active substances that have a rejuvenating effect on the body. In addition, the pectin contained in it helps to reduce bad cholesterol and helps to remove salts and harmful substances from the body. Husk-based tinctures and decoctions can be used as painkillers, and extracts can be used to treat candidiasis and dandruff.

To cleanse the body, people who live in environmentally polluted places can make tinctures and decoctions based on garlic husks. These funds are also used for exacerbation of various inflammations, in cases of influenza and SARS.

Garlic in medicine

Garlic is widely used in the field of medicine, as it has a large number of useful properties.

With diabetes

In diabetes, garlic is allowed. This product will help lower sugar levels and help strengthen the body.The active substances present in garlic help the liver produce glycogen, slow down the breakdown of insulin, and normalize the activity of the endocrine system. The most useful in this case is fresh garlic that has not undergone heat treatment. You can use dry product and juice from it. The permissible dosage is about 15–20 drops of garlic juice per 50–100 g of milk (no more). You need to take half an hour before meals.

Important: The glycemic index of garlic is 30 units.

With pancreatitis

Garlic is contraindicated in pancreatitis. This product provokes an abundant production of pancreatic juice, which can be dangerous in this case. With the use of garlic, the disease will worsen. Even a fatal outcome is possible in the case of a running condition. The only exception is the period of weakening of the disease.

With gastritis

Use a small amount of garlic is allowed only in case of persistent remission. It cannot be eaten raw, but it is permissible to add one clove to a dish that will be baked or stewed.

In the chronic stage, the product is not recommended, but you can add it to dishes in small portions. In the event of a burning sensation in the stomach and with bloating, garlic should be discarded. With exacerbation, the vegetable is forbidden to eat.

For the intestines

With regular use of garlic, you can get rid of the parasites that live in the intestines. The sulfur contained in it helps to eliminate toxins from the body. Garlic is prescribed for treatment in cases of lead, mercury and arsenic poisoning. Vegetable relieves the body of heavy metals, harmful substances - preservatives, food colors and other additives.

For constipation

Garlic is a product that has a laxative effect and also helps get rid of intestinal bacteria. To get rid of constipation, it will be enough to use this product as part of everyday dishes (2-3 cloves each) - this will significantly increase intestinal motility, help to remove accumulated toxins from the body.

With gout

With gout, garlic is allowed, but only in moderation. It helps strengthen joints and normalizes blood pressure. But at the same time, using this product as the main medicine is prohibited. During the treatment of gout, it is recommended to consume a vegetable in its natural form (1-2 cloves per day on an empty stomach). In addition, based on it, you can prepare ointments and tinctures.

With colitis

When colitis, garlic can be added to food in small quantities. This normalizes the intestines, and also helps in the treatment of inflammation of the digestive system. It is recommended to consume about 2 grams of garlic powder 2 times a day after meals. This mode will allow you to quickly adjust the chair and relieve diarrhea that occurs with colitis. But at the same time, do not forget about the individual characteristics of each individual person, so before you start using a burning vegetable, you should consult a specialist.

For the liver

In moderation, garlic will have a beneficial effect on the body because it helps cleanse the liver. In addition, garlic extract is included in drugs used to treat the liver.

With hemorrhoids

It is allowed to consume garlic for hemorrhoids, but some rules must be observed, namely - there is a product exclusively in its raw form, not more than 4 cloves per day. In the case of internal hemorrhoids with bleeding, you need to use the product in a finely ground form.

With cholecystitis

To improve the condition and speed up treatment, you must strictly follow the prescribed diet. For this reason, raw garlic should be excluded from the diet, but it is sometimes allowed to consume a thermally processed product.

Garlic-based traditional medicine recipes

Strength Remedy

1. Divide one garlic head into slices and peel.
2. Pour the garlic with milk (1 cup) and cook on low heat until tender.
3. Strain and add honey (1 tablespoon), then mix thoroughly.
4. Take up to 3 times a day for 1 tbsp. 30 minutes before eating.

The course lasts 2–4 weeks.

Joint rubbing agent

1. Peel the garlic (7-8 cloves) and chop finely.
2. Add vodka (100 ml) and apple cider vinegar (0.5 l), mix and seal.
3. Place in a cool dark place for 20 days, while shaking from time to time.
4. When the mixture is infused, strain it.

The tool is rubbed into sore joints with arthritis and arthrosis.

Atherosclerosis Prevention

1. Chopped garlic (100 g) mixed with honey (50 g) and lemon juice (6 pcs.).
2. Cork and place for 5 days to insist in a cool place.
3. Take 1 tsp. up to 3 times a day (half an hour before a meal).

When the remedy is over, you should arrange a 7-day break, and then repeat the course.

Garlic in cosmetology

Garlic has many useful properties that are used in the field of cosmetology for skin and hair care.

For face

Anti-aging mask

1. To the garlic juice (1 tsp) add carrot juice (2 tbsp) and flower honey (1 tsp).
2. Apply to clean skin.
3. Wait 5-7 minutes (the main thing is not to overdo it). Wash your face.

Anti-inflammatory mask

1. Combine mashed garlic, apple juice, cosmetic clay and starch (1 tsp each).
2. Stir until a creamy consistency.
3. Apply to clean skin.
4. Hold for 15 minutes.
5. Wash your face gently.

For hair

Mask for hair loss

1. Grind garlic (1 head) and add honey (2 tablespoons).
2. Apply the mixture to dry hair.
3. Hold for 60 minutes.
4. Wash hair with shampoo.

Anti dandruff mask

1. In garlic gruel (2 tsp), add sour cream (1 tsp), honey and castor oil (1 tsp each).
2. To stir thoroughly.
3. Rub the mixture into the scalp.
4. Wait 30 minutes.
5. Wash hair.

You can apply the mask up to 1 time per week.

The use of garlic in cooking

Garlic is quite actively used in the field of cooking. Garlic seasonings are perfect for meat dishes, seafood, sandwiches and salads. Vegetables can act as the main ingredient in the preparation of salted pickled cloves, which are used with various soups and main dishes. Sometimes it is used even during the preparation of sweet desserts. For example, in some countries garlic is found in cookies, sweets, and ice cream.

Harm and contraindications

Like any other product, garlic has its own restrictions on the use. It is forbidden to use in such cases:

• gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, ulcer, etc .;
• pancreatitis
• anemia;
• bladder pathology;
• hemorrhoids;
• allergic to the product.

It is worth noting that in the composition of garlic there is a poisonous substance - sulfanyl-hydroxyl ion, which causes headaches and a decrease in reactions. But, as a rule, this happens only with excessive use. Allergies can sometimes be observed.

Symptoms of a Garlic Allergy

The clinical picture may be accompanied by such symptoms:

• cough;
• difficulty swallowing;
• dizziness;
• hives;
• stomach cramps;
• tingling of the near-mouth;
• nausea, vomiting;
• wheezing.

In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur.

How to store garlic at home

The best place to store garlic is a dark, dry, cool room with a temperature of 2–5 ° C and an air humidity of about 75%. Vegetables can be stored in the cellar, basement, shed, drawer on the balcony or refrigerator. In this case, it is necessary to periodically check the condition of garlic. A product that has already begun to rot will produce an unpleasant odor. Softened, wrinkled bulbs should be discarded.

Is it possible to freeze

You can freeze garlic, especially since this will allow you to store it for a much longer time. It is not recommended to freeze it with whole heads, because after defrosting it will be too soft, which makes it difficult to clean. It should be frozen for no more than six months, otherwise the product will lose some of its beneficial properties.

How to Peel Garlic Quickly

1. The classic way. Press the side of the knife blade onto the garlic clove. This will help to easily separate the husk.
2. Shaking. Place the garlic cloves in a metal container, cover with a comparable bowl on top and shake well. After 10-15 seconds, the garlic will be peeled.
3. Using water. Pour cold water into a cup and place garlic cloves there. After 15–20 minutes, remove peeled cloves.
4. Using the microwave. For best exfoliation, send the garlic in the microwave for 15 seconds.

How to eat garlic

The main secret of maintaining beneficial properties is that garlic should not be fried or cooked for a long time. Before use, the product must be finely chopped and left for 5-7 minutes at room temperature. This will allow allicin to stand out, which will help preserve the beneficial properties of garlic.

How much can you eat per day

The permissible daily intake of garlic is 2–5 g or 1 clove.

Can I eat at night and on an empty stomach

There is no clear answer to the question of whether garlic is allowed to be consumed overnight. In general, eating this product before bedtime is not prohibited. Depending on the state of health, the person himself must decide whether he can eat garlic.

On an empty stomach, especially in the morning, this vegetable can and should be consumed, since in this case its beneficial effects are more effective.

How to pickle garlic: recipes

Quick way

Ingredients:

• garlic - 1 kg;
• sugar - 5 tbsp;
• salt - 2 tbsp .;
• water - 1 l;
• vinegar (table 9%) - 100 g.

How to cook:

1. Peel the garlic, while part of the husk must be left.
2. Boil water and add garlic. Blanch for up to 3 minutes. Rinse in cool water and place in jars.
3. Boil water, add sugar and salt, mix well. Then pour vinegar.
4. Put the brine for 15 seconds on the stove, strain with gauze and pour into banks.
5. After cooling, remove the garlic for three days in the refrigerator.

In Ukrainian

Ingredients:

• water - 4 tbsp .;
• salt - 2 tsp;
• table vinegar - 2 tbsp.

How to cook:

1. Rinse garlic, cut tops, peel, leave stalks up to 5 cm.
2. Flannel the garlic and mark it in hot water for a couple of minutes.
3. Sterilize the jars and fill them with garlic.
4. Pour the brine to the top (brine recipe in the previous recipe).

Can garlic be given to animals

Despite the fact that garlic helps fight helminths, veterinarians do not recommend including it in a dog’s diet. For cats, garlic is even more dangerous. Even small dosages can trigger serious digestive upsets. If the animal has eaten too much garlic, then he will need emergency help, otherwise it can be fatal.

How to get rid of the smell of garlic from the mouth

1. Using toothpaste. After eating garlic, you can simply brush your teeth using toothpaste. In addition, it is recommended to clean the tongue with a scraper, floss well and rinse the mouth.After cleaning, the result can be fixed with chewing gum.
2. With the help of food and drinks. Some foods are capable of absorbing the smell of garlic. For example, mushrooms, carrots and mashed potato dishes. Also, garlic can be washed down with milk or tea with lemon.
3. Using refreshing spices. Also, after eating garlic, you can rinse your mouth with warm water, and then chew parsley leaves well. Instead of parsley, you can use mint, spinach, basil or fresh cardamom grains.

Interesting facts about garlic

1. Garlic is one of the oldest vegetable crops. Ancient people believed that this product brings strength and endurance.
2. There are many beliefs that suggest that garlic fights evil spirits and is able to protect against vampire attacks. This product is repeatedly mentioned in Bram Stoker's Dracula novel, as well as in some of Shakespeare’s works.
3. Garlic is very attractive for leeches.
4. April 19 is National Garlic Day.
5. There are over 300 varieties of this vegetable.
6. Allyumophobia is a fear of garlic.
7. In ancient Greece, brides carried bouquets not of flowers, but of herbs and garlic.
8. The city of Chicago (USA) is named after this vegetable. "Chicagaoua" is an Indian word meaning "wild garlic."
9. The largest number of garlic cloves eaten in one minute is 34.
10. During World War I, it was used as a healing tool by British soldiers.
11. Autumn is the best time to plant garlic. It is important to plant it 4-6 weeks before significant freezing of the soil. This vegetable loves well-drained soil in a sunny place.
12. Garlic contains 17 amino acids.

Photo of garlic