How to consume garlic to maximise its health benefits

While it makes for an intrinsic part of our cooking preparations, garlic, taken especially as the first thing in the morning, can bring about a bevy of health benefits.

Eating raw garlic on an empty stomach can help in reducing the cholesterol level. According to a study published in the Journal of Nutrition, aged garlic supplements can prevent the clogging of arteries and improve heart health.

Raw garlic contains a component called Allicin, which helps in thinning the blood and reduces cholesterol levels.

Strong taste of garlic

However, the sharp aroma and strong taste of garlic is not that pleasant to eat raw. So, here are a few easy ways by which one can get maximum benefits of garlic and consume garlic in the right way. 

Add garlic to your Dawa (Lemon, ginger, honey drink)

Garlic is a flu fighting food, according to healthline.com. One can add it to the lemon ginger honey drink to help with the flu.

“Garlic is most commonly known for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. This therefore means, garlic is a natural antibiotic that the body does not grow resistance to, which also means it has ongoing positive benefits,” says John Kareri, a farmer from Nyeri, and a nutrition coach.

Cook with garlic

Raw garlic is the optimal way to get its health benefits. However, you can still boost your health by cooking with garlic. Additionally, it makes for some tasty meals. If you are using garlic in a recipe, use at least one to two cloves per dish.

Try garlic oil

Garlic is a great flavouring for any dish. You can bring more of its flavour into your food by using garlic-infused oil to prepare dishes. Garlic oil can also have the added health benefit of reducing a pimple or relieving psoriasis when rubbed on the affected area, says Kareri.

Brew a garlic tea

Warm tea is a comforting way to get through a cold. Brewing garlic tea can comfort you and may help boost your immune system. Steep a clove of chopped or minced garlic in hot water for a few minutes. Then strain the garlic bits out and enjoy your tea.

You can tweak this tea as per you taste. You can keep it simple by boiling a garlic pod and drinking it with a dash of cinnamon. 

Add garlic powder to food

In some cases, using a garlic powder may be a more convenient way to get your garlic, however, just like with other garlic products, this may not have the same health benefits as fresh ones.

The wrong way to eat raw garlic

You cannot go too wrong when it comes to raw garlic, because it is good for you. That said, do not sink your teeth into a whole head of the stuff because one half to one full clove of raw garlic a day is all you need and going overboard will bring you nothing but a stomachache (and bad breath, too).

Takeaway? Start eating raw garlic and while at it, remember that a little goes a long way, in terms of flavour and many health benefits.