Garlic: The little all-rounder with a big impact on our health
Garlic is much more than just a humble kitchen spice. It is a true powerhouse that has been revered for its remarkable properties in a wide variety of cultures for thousands of years. Valued in the kitchen, admired in medicine - garlic has earned its place as an indispensable element in many people's lives. But what is really behind this small bulb that can do so much good for our bodies? Join us on a journey through the fascinating world of garlic and discover why it not only enhances our food, but also our well-being.
From the Fields of Central Asia to the Kitchens of the World
Garlic originates from the fertile soils of Central Asia, where it was cultivated over 5,000 years ago. The ancient Egyptians knew about its special powers and used it as a tonic for the workers who built the monumental pyramids. The Romans took garlic with them on their campaigns, convinced that it would make their soldiers stronger and more resilient. In the Middle Ages, garlic was used as a protective shield against the dreaded plague, and to this day it has a firm place in the traditional medicine of many cultures as a miracle cure.
The Secret Powerhouse: Nutrients and their Effects
Behind the simple appearance of garlic lies a true powerhouse of nutrients. Rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese and selenium, garlic provides us with essential substances that protect and strengthen our bodies. But the real magic happens when the garlic is cut or crushed. This is when allicin, a sulfur compound, is formed that is considered the main player behind garlic's many health benefits - here's a quick overview of the wonder of allicin:
1. Antimicrobial effect: Allicin has strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus and Helicobacter pylori . These properties make allicin a natural antibiotic that can help fight infections.
2. Antioxidant effect: Allicin acts as a powerful antioxidant and protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This can help prevent cell damage and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.
3. Cardiovascular benefits: Allicin may promote heart health by lowering blood pressure, dilating blood vessels, and improving blood lipid levels. It inhibits the formation of cholesterol in the liver and thus can lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, while it can increase HDL cholesterol levels. These effects help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.
4. Blood-thinning effect: Allicin can inhibit blood clotting and thus reduce the risk of thrombosis and stroke. It works in a similar way to aspirin by reducing the formation of thromboxanes, which are involved in blood clotting.
5. Anti-inflammatory effects: Allicin may have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory substances in the body, such as prostaglandins and cytokines. This property may be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
6. Anti-cancer potential: Some studies suggest that allicin has anti-cancer properties. It can inhibit the formation and growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) in various cancer cell types. This effect is attributed to the ability of allicin to alter the activity of certain enzymes and regulate cell growth.
7. Strengthening the immune system: Allicin can strengthen the immune system by promoting the production and activity of immune cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, allowing the body to fight infections and diseases more effectively.
Alternative for flatulence: How to make your own garlic oil
I (Carsten) have been suffering from a sensitive gut ever since I took strong medication for RLS for a few months. This means that I can't eat things like onions, garlic or cauliflower without having severe upper abdominal pain the next day. However, as my partner is a huge garlic fan - as we saw above, rightly so - we had to find a way that works for both of us. And we found it: homemade garlic oil!
The allicin described above is created directly when the garlic is cut or pressed and therefore ends up in the oil. However, it does not last very long there, which is why we recommend firstly pouring the oil into brown glass and secondly using it up within a few days.
Important tip: To avoid bloating, you should pour the oil through a sieve as soon as you want to use it - until then, the cloves can of course remain in the oil so that it infuses properly. You can easily use 5-6 cloves per 250 ml - and fresh garlic is more intense and contains even more of the healthy allicin.
Conclusion: Garlic – The golden key to better health
Garlic is more than just a hot spice. It is a treasure from nature, a golden key to better health and well-being. From its beginnings in Central Asia to modern cuisine around the world, garlic has established itself as an indispensable companion that goes far beyond its culinary role. Its positive effects on the immune system, the heart and general health are well documented and make it a true superfood. Regular consumption of garlic - in any form - is a simple and effective way to promote your own health and enrich your everyday life with a touch of natural healing.
