Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Health Benefits
Description
History
How to Select and Store
How to Enjoy
Safety
Nutritional Profile
References
Health Benefits
Whole books have been written about garlic, an herb
affectionately called "the stinking rose" in light of its
numerous therapeutic benefits. A member of the lily or Allium
family, which also includes onions, garlic is rich in a variety
of powerful sulfur-containing compounds including
thiosulfinates (of which the best known compound is allicin),
sulfoxides (among which the best known compound is alliin),
and dithiins (in which the most researched compound is
ajoene). While these compounds are responsible for garlic's
characteristically pungent odor, they are also the source of
many of its health-promoting effects. In addition, garlic is an
excellent source of manganese, a very good source of vitamin
B6 and vitamin C and a good source of selenium.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Garlic was not only bestowed with sacred qualities and placed
in the tomb of Pharaohs, but it was given to the slaves that
built the Pyramids to enhance their endurance and strength.
This strength-enhancing quality was also honored by the
ancient Greeks and Romans, civilizations whose athletes ate
garlic before sporting events and whose soldiers consumed it
before going off to war.
Garlic was introduced into various regions throughout the
globe by migrating cultural tribes and explorers. By the 6th
century BC, garlic was known in both China and India, the
latter country using it for therapeutic purposes.
Throughout the millennia, garlic has been a beloved plant in
many cultures for both its culinary and medicinal properties.
Over the last few years, it has gained unprecedented
popularity since researchers have been scientifically validating
its numerous health benefits.
Currently, China, South Korea, India, Spain and the United
States are among the top commercial producers of garlic.
How to Select and Store
For maximum flavor and nutritional benefits, always purchase
fresh garlic. Although garlic in flake, powder or paste form
may be more convenient, you will derive less culinary and
health benefits from these forms.
Purchase garlic that is plump and has unbroken skin. Gently
squeeze the garlic bulb between your fingers to check that it
feels firm and is not damp.
Avoid garlic that is soft, shriveled and moldy or that has
begun to sprout. These may be indications of decay that will
cause inferior flavor and texture. Size is often not an
28.35 grams
42.24 calories
Nutrient
World's
Healthies
DV Nutrien
t
Amoun (%
t
Foods
t
)
Density
Rating
10.0
excellent
vitamin B6
(pyridoxine 0.35 mg 17.5
)
7.5
very good
vitamin C
6.3
very good
tryptophan
8.85 mg 14.8
0.02 g
6.3
2.7
good
4.03
mcg
5.8
2.5
good
calcium
51.31
mg
5.1
2.2
good
phosphorus
43.38
mg
4.3
1.8
good
vitamin B1
(thiamin)
0.06 mg 4.0
1.7
good
copper
0.08 mg 4.0
1.7
good
1.5
good
selenium
protein
World's
Healthie
st
Foods
1.80 g
3.6
Rule
Rating
excellent
very
good
good
DV>=75
%
DV>=50
%
DV>=25
%
O Density>=7 AN DV>=10
R
.6
D
%
O Density>=3 AN
DV>=5%
R
.4
D
O Density>=1 AN DV>=2.5
R
.5
D
%
Baluchnejadmojarad T, Roghani M.
Endothelium-dependent and -independent effect
of aqueous extract of garlic on vascular
reactivity on diabetic rats. Fitoterapia. 2003
Dec;74(7-8):630-7. 2003.
Bautista DM, Movahed P, Hinman A, Axelsson
HE, Sterner O, HOgestatt ED, Julius D, Jordt SE,
Zygmunt PM. Pungent products from garlic
activate the sensory ion channel TRPA1. Proc
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D, Rahman Q. Reduction of chrysotile asbestosinduced genotoxicity in human peripheral blood
lymphocytes by garlic extract. Toxicol Lett. 2004
Nov 28;153(3):327-32. 2004. PMID:15454308.
Cavagnaro PF, Camargo A, Galmarini CR, Simon
PW. Effect of cooking on garlic (Allium sativum
L.) antiplatelet activity and thiosulfinates
content. J Agric Food Chem. 2007 Feb
21;55(4):1280-8. Epub 2007 Jan 27. 2007.
PMID:17256959.
Durak I, Aytac B, Atmaca Y, Devrim E, Avci A,
Erol C, Oral D. Effects of garlic extract
consumption on plasma and erythrocyte
antioxidant parameters in atherosclerotic
patients. Life Sci. 2004 Sep 3;75(16):1959-66.
2004. PMID:15306163.
Elkayam A, Mirelman D, Peleg E, Wilchek M,
Miron T, Rabinkov A, Oron-Herman M, Rosenthal
T. The effects of allicin on weight in fructoseinduced hyperinsulinemic, hyperlipidemic,