Garlic is a nutritious addition to many dishes and a staple food in many cultures.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a kitchen without any garlic in it!
However, why do you sometimes hanker for this tasty root vegetable, and what does it mean when you crave garlic?
You could be craving garlic for a couple of reasons.
Firstly the more you eat a certain food, the more you crave it, but that could be put down as a desire rather than a real craving.
Secondly, and more likely is your body could be deficient in certain nutrients that garlic contains, which stir cravings such as zinc, iron, calcium, or manganese.
Garlic is a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can add zest to any dish.
But did you know that garlic also has some impressive health benefits?
Garlic contains nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamins C and B6.
These nutrients are essential for maintaining good health.
Garlic has been shown to boost the immune system, making it an ideal food to eat during cold and flu season.
Garlic has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it a great natural remedy for infections.
Some studies have shown that garlic can help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Garlic may also help to prevent blood clots from forming.
So, pick up some garlic next time you’re at the grocery store!
Why Do I Like Garlic So Much?
However, too much garlic can also have some unpleasant side effects, like the infamous garlic breath, acid reflux, and gastrointestinal issues.
Garlic is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor to a wide range of dishes.
It can be used raw, sautéed, roasted, or grilled, and it pairs well with savory and sweet flavors.
When using garlic raw, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way.
Start by mincing or pressing a clove of garlic, then add it to your dish a little at a time, tasting as you go.
If the garlic is too strong, try pairing it with other assertive flavors like lemon or ginger.
Sautéed garlic is a great way to add depth of flavor to pasta dishes, stir-fries, and soups.
To sauté garlic, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Roasted garlic is mellower in flavor and can be used in place of raw garlic or added to roasted vegetables for extra flavor.
To roast garlic, cut off the top of a head of garlic so that the cloves are exposed.
Drizzle with oil, wrap in foil, and roast in a 400°F oven for 30 minutes.
Squeeze the cloves out of their skins to use.
Grilled garlic has a smoky flavor that pairs well with steak or grilled vegetables.
To grill garlic, peel the cloves and skewer them on a piece of rosemary or other herb sprigs.
Grill over medium-high heat for 10 to 15 minutes.
What Happens When You Eat A Lot Of Garlic?
Garlic is a tasty, versatile ingredient that many dishes call for.
However, if you eat too much garlic, you could experience some uncomfortable side effects like bad breath, acid reflux, and stomach problems.
For centuries, garlic has been used for both its culinary and medicinal properties.
Today, it is commonly used as a flavoring agent in many dishes, but it also boasts a number of health benefits.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic, and it has been shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
It is also a potent anti-inflammatory agent, making it an effective treatment for conditions like arthritis and asthma.
What Is Garlic Good For Your Body?
Garlic is a popular ingredient used for many dishes, but it is also a highly nutritious root vegetable with a host of impressive health benefits.
Garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc.
It also contains sulfur-containing compounds that are thought to boost the immune system.
For centuries, garlic has been used as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, and modern science has begun to confirm its healing properties.
Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.
While more research is needed to confirm its efficacy, some studies have shown that garlic may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
It can also be used topically to treat skin conditions such as acne and athlete’s foot.
So next time you’re looking for a way to spice up your meal, remember that garlic can also do wonders for your health.
Does Garlic Reduce Cholesterol?
It’s long been thought that garlic can help to reduce cholesterol levels, and there is some scientific evidence to support this claim.
Garlic may work by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver or by helping to remove existing LDL cholesterol from the body.
Most people have heard of cholesterol, but many don’t know exactly what it is or why it’s important.
Simply put, cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the fats (lipids) in your blood.
Your body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells, but too much cholesterol can lead to serious health problems.
There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. LDL, or “bad” cholesterol, builds up in your arteries and can lead to heart disease.
HDL, or “good” cholesterol, helps remove LDL from your arteries.
A high level of HDL can help protect against heart disease.
You can learn your cholesterol levels by having a simple blood test called a lipid panel.
If your cholesterol levels are high, you may need to make some changes to your diet and lifestyle.
The good news is that high cholesterol is often preventable and treatable.
I’m Chris Watson & the Founder of EatForLonger.com. I’m a food and wellbeing enthusiast researching and sharing foodstuffs and simple food-based concepts, such as fasting and clean eating.
I hope it inspires you to make tiny changes to what you eat and when you eat while optimizing your healthspan and all-around well-being.
Read more About Me here.