Gardening to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Garlic

                                            

Garlic seems to be a main ingredient used essentially in all cuisines as a strong flavouring agent. It is also used for medicinal purposes, to ease various health conditions and in some cases prevent chronic health problems.

What is garlic?

Garlic (Allium sativum) is an edible bulb that belongs to the Allium class of bulb-shaped plants or lily family. Traditionally garlic is used for its health components across the world, including the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Japanese and Native Americans, as it contains arginine, oligosaccharides, flavonoids, and selenium, all of which may be beneficial to health. IT is also used as a flavoring additive in cooking and is unique because of its high sulfur content.

Medical benefits of Garlic

Currently, garlic is used as a dietary supplement for many purposes, including high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure, and the common cold, as well as in attempts to prevent cancer and other diseases.

Studies have shown an association between increased intake of garlic and reduced risk of certain cancers, including cancers of the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas, and breast.  

According to the National Cancer Institute (2015), stated that studies done by The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) which is an ongoing multinational study involving men and women from 10 different countries, is investigating the effects of nutrition on cancer. In the study, higher intakes of onion and garlic were associated with a reduced risk of intestinal cancer.

What are the types of garlic preparations?

Garlic supplements can be classified into four groups: Fresh garlic, garlic powder, and garlic oil are used to flavor foods. Garlic dietary supplements are sold as tablets or capsules.