Garlic: composition, beneficial and harmful properties, use

Garlic is a herbaceous plant belonging to the onion family. The vegetable is very popular throughout the world, it is often used as a condiment.

The ancestor of this plant can be called long-pointed garlic, which was widespread in the countries of Central Asia. As early as 2600 BC, the Sumerian tribes, making food lists, necessarily included garlic. It is assumed that ancient civilizations treated the vegetable with special reverence, as they believed it had supernatural properties. The Egyptians thought that garlic helped maintain a person's physical strength. The legend goes that some of the pharaohs ordered to give slaves involved in the construction of the pyramids a portion of garlic every day.

Ancient Egyptian physicians wrote about the healing properties of this vegetable in their treatises. Garlic also had its recognition in ancient Greece. Hippocrates recommended the use of honey along with garlic to treat the respiratory tract. The ancient Romans used garlic to fight intestinal parasites and also wore it as a talisman.

The vegetable came to Russia from Byzantium in the 9th century. During the Middle Ages garlic was very popular in the East and was used as an ingredient in various dishes. On the European continent, it was considered a medicinal plant, and its medicinal properties gave rise to various legends, such as its ability to fight against evil forces. Some doctors of that period believed that the vegetable could cure the plague. In the 19th century, French chemist Louis Pasteur first detailed the plant's antiseptic properties.

Garlic varieties

Garlic comes in two varieties - winter and spring. It is customary to plant winter garlic in the fall and spring garlic in the spring.

What is the difference between spring garlic and winter garlic?

1. Winter varieties have a stem, around which there are cloves. When the cloves are separated, the stem remains. Spring varieties have no stem.
2. Spring garlic has cloves that are arranged in a spiral pattern in 2-3 rows, with the cloves becoming smaller closer to the center. In winter varieties, the cloves are arranged in a single row.
3. Winter garlic has fewer cloves, but the cloves are flatter and larger. Spring fruits have more cloves, but they are small.
4. Spring varieties do not produce arrows. Winter varieties throw out arrows for propagation.

Ingredients and calories

100 g of the product contains:

• Calories - 149.
• Protein - 6,5 g.
• Fats - 0,5 gr.
• Carbohydrates - 29,9 g.

Garlic contains nitrogenous substances and fiber. It contains potassium and calcium, phosphoric and sulfuric acids, it is also rich in phytosterols, bioflavonoids and extractive substances.

How is garlic useful?

General benefits.

1. Strengthens the immune system. Garlic extract helps stimulate the growth of white blood cells (lymphocytes, macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils) by increasing glutathione. White blood cells are immune cells that provide protection against infections. Glutathione is an antioxidant that protects immune cells from free radicals.
2. It helps treat colds and the flu. Garlic helps ease the severity of colds and flu by increasing the number of immune cells. The vegetable increases their activity while reducing inflammatory proteins (cytokines), so it speeds up the healing process.
3. It helps treat yeast infections. Substances in garlic inhibit the development of candidiasis, the most common type of yeast infection. Allicin inhibits candida growth by destroying the substances that provoke the development and spread of the infection.
4. It prevents tooth decay and treats oral infections. Garlic has an antibacterial effect on plaque bacteria that cause tooth decay if not treated. It also helps to get rid of oral infections such as periodontal disease, thrush and toothaches. The vegetable can be used directly in combination with antibiotics - it will only increase the effect.
5. It can help with HIV therapy. There has been a study that shows that substances in garlic can inhibit the growth, development and selectively destroy HIV-infected cells. The substance diallyl disulfide helps to slow the spread of the virus by reducing the production of proteins involved in HIV replication. Garlic prevents normal blood cells from fusing with HIV-infected cells, so the virus cannot actively develop.
6. Helps treat ulcers caused by helicobacter pylori. Garlic has antibacterial properties that are very effective against helicobacter pylori, one of the most common bacterial infections in the world and a major cause of ulcers. Garlic oil can be used as an ulcer treatment because it helps increase the concentration of antioxidant enzymes and suppresses substances that cause inflammation.
7. It helps treat intestinal infections caused by parasites. Garlic acts as an excellent aid in treating intestinal parasitic infections, such as giardiasis. The allicin in the vegetable prevents parasites from multiplying. It also helps boost immune function and strengthens the body's defenses against parasitic infections.
8. It can help in the treatment of brain cancer. Substances in the vegetable reduce the spread of affected cancer cells and help destroy them. Diallyl trisulfide, a compound found in garlic, can help shrink the size of brain tumors.
9. It is a preventive agent against esophageal cancer. Experiments on rats have shown that diallyl sulfide, one of the components of garlic, inhibits the formation of esophageal tumors.
10. It prevents bladder cancer. Garlic suppresses bladder tumor growth by stimulating immune cells and detoxifying carcinogens. It increases the activity of macrophages and lymphocytes, which fight cancer cells. The substances in the vegetable also help flush toxins out of the body by activating antioxidant enzymes.
11. Stops the progression of prostate cancer. The acid S-allylcysteine prevents the growth of prostate cancer cells and activates proteins that inhibit tumor development.
12. Treats allergies. Garlic is able to suppress allergic reactions. The substances in this vegetable can directly inhibit proteins that support inflammatory factors during allergic reactions.
13. Protects the skin from ultraviolet rays. Exposure to ultraviolet rays affects the urocanic acid found in the skin, which leads to a suppression of the immune system. Consumption of garlic can prevent this situation, because the substances contained in this vegetable help to reduce the concentration of urocanic acid in the skin.
14. It has an anti-aging effect. Long-term topical treatment with garlic extract can have a rejuvenating effect because it increases the growth and longevity of skin cells. The antioxidants in garlic prevent damage caused by free radicals. Garlic also contains cytokinin, a hormone that participates in cell development and, thanks to its antioxidant effects, slows cell aging.
15. It gets rid of scars. Regular consumption of garlic can get rid of keloid scars, which grow as a result of impaired collagen production.
16. It helps with hair loss. There are various garlic gels and creams that help treat patients suffering from alopecia, a type of hair loss that results from immune cells attacking hair follicles. The compounds in garlic help prevent hair loss and stimulate hair re-growth.
17. Reduces cholesterol levels. Garlic lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). LDL cholesterol is harmful because it clogs blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Garlic lowers cholesterol by deactivating cholesterol-producing enzymes.
18. Lowers blood pressure. This vegetable is especially useful for people with hypertension. This is due to an increase in calcium and a decrease in C-reactive protein, factors that often provoke an increase in blood pressure. Another factor in hypertension is sulfur deficiency. Allicin is a sulfur compound in garlic that lowers blood pressure by increasing the concentration of the element. It helps relax the muscles of the blood vessels and prevents them from constricting.
19. It helps prevent heart disease. Heart disorders are very often associated with excessive cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, increased platelet aggregation and clogged blood vessels. Platelets contribute to stopping bleeding by clotting blood when necessary, such as after physical injury. However, platelet aggregation sometimes leads to the formation of blood clots, which increase the risk of heart disease. Garlic prevents platelet aggregation in patients with cardiovascular disorders. Regular consumption also helps to relax blood vessels and reduces blood pressure.
20. Prevents obesity. Garlic affects the process of fat accumulation. The substances in it help activate proteins in adipose tissue, liver and muscles, which convert nutrients into heat instead of depositing them in the body. In addition, the body responds to exposure to garlic by forming peroxides that activate enzymes that destroy fat cells.
21. Eliminates toxins from the liver. Pesticides, environmental pollutants and a variety of chemicals can cause oxidative stress and provoke inflammation in the human body. Garlic helps eliminate toxins because of its antioxidant properties. The sulfur-containing compounds in this vegetable reduce oxidative stress and also help to eliminate various inflammations. Specifically, garlic helps eliminate toxins from the liver by increasing the activity of detoxifying enzymes. It also inhibits enzymes that produce free radicals and stimulate oxidative stress.
22. It prevents brain damage. S-allylcysteine is an antioxidant found in garlic extract that protects humans from brain damage. S-allylcysteine activates antioxidant enzymes in this organ, which suppress free radicals, preventing their negative effects.
23. Improves memory. Garlic increases serotonin levels in the brain and helps improve cognitive function. Garlic oil improves memory function and cognitive function by increasing neuronal growth.
24. Has neuroprotective properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the raw vegetable help prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
25. Prevents heavy metal poisoning. High doses of garlic can prevent organ damage caused by heavy metals. The sulfur compounds in the product reduce the concentration of lead in the blood. Sulfur also promotes better absorption of iron and zinc in the blood.
26. Heals Wounds. Garlic can be used to treat infected wounds. To get its effect, you need to place a crushed garlic clove in the infected area, this will result in almost instant relief.
27. Useful for the bones. With regular consumption of garlic, you can minimize bone weakening and improve overall bone health. The vegetable also affects estrogen levels in menopausal women, preventing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
28. Beneficial for the eyes. Garlic is rich in nutrients such as selenium, quercetin, and vitamin C. They are all important in maintaining health and in treating eye infections and inflammation.
29. Keeps ears healthy. Garlic, because of its antiviral, antifungal and antibiotic properties, can be used to relieve earaches and treat infections.
30. It prevents the occurrence of acne. Garlic, along with other ingredients such as honey, cream and turmeric, can be used as a remedy to prevent acne. The vegetable is an effective skin cleanser and an antibiotic that helps treat a variety of skin conditions. These include skin rashes, psoriasis, herpes and blisters.
31. Controls asthma. Boiled garlic cloves are effective in treating asthma. Every night before going to bed, drinking a glass of milk with 3 boiled cloves can greatly relieve asthma patients. Garlic can also be used to treat lung infections such as cystic fibrosis.
32. It is a natural aphrodisiac. Garlic has aphrodisiac properties, so it can be used as a sexual stimulant. It enhances libido in both men and women. People who are prone to excessive sexual activity should consume garlic to protect themselves from nervous exhaustion.

For women

The main benefit of garlic for women is that this product can prevent the development of breast and uterine cancer. Doctors recommend including garlic in your diet while you are carrying a baby. The vegetable can also get rid of hip osteoarthritis, which is most common in women after age 50. This disease affects the health of the knee and hip joints and sometimes affects the spine.

Garlic can help women not only take care of their inner health, but also maintain their outer beauty. The fresh vegetable will help to strengthen hair roots easily and quickly and provoke their growth, which will make the hair thicker. Garlic can also be used to fight alopecia. If you rub garlic juice into the scalp on a regular basis, you can improve blood circulation in this part of the body, which will lead to a strengthening of the follicles.

For Men

One of the greatest values of garlic for men is its effect on sexual function. This vegetable helps increase erectile abilities and normalizes potency, as well as having a positive effect on the overall health of the body.

If the results of various studies are to be believed, it is clear that regular consumption of fresh garlic reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer by almost half. In addition, garlic can inhibit the spread of various infections, some of which provoke male infertility. This vegetable promotes potency, normalizes blood circulation in the groin, which leads to a qualitative improvement in the composition of sperm.

In pregnancy.

Garlic is an excellent immune stimulating product that can destroy germs and improve digestion. It also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and normalizes heart function. During pregnancy, it can replace drugs that are prohibited because they can harm the baby.

If you do not observe the norm of consumption, garlic can have a negative effect on the overall condition of the body. This manifests itself in the form of heartburn, allergies or blood thinning. In addition, this vegetable is incompatible with some medications, so unforeseen side effects may occur, which will lead to an increase in the danger of pregnancy.

The permissible norm of consumption of garlic is up to 2 cloves in the first and second trimester, in the third trimester it is not recommended to use the product.

When breastfeeding

As a rule, pediatricians do not forbid to eat garlic during lactation. The baby, most likely, will not even notice any changes.

Some experts say that the substances in garlic can provoke an increase in the baby's appetite, but you should not be afraid of this. At the same time, it is very important to observe the restrictions on consumption. A newborn baby's internal organs are not yet fully adapted and cannot normally digest everything. Therefore, like any other product, garlic should be introduced into the diet gradually. Until your baby is 3 months old, it is best not to eat this vegetable. From the age of 4 months, you can slowly add a third of a clove of garlic a day to your baby's diet. It is important to monitor your baby's condition after eating. If there are no problems, the daily rate can be increased to one clove.

For children

It is allowed to give garlic to children. This product has a lot of useful properties, but you need to introduce it into the baby's diet in stages. Do not feed your child fresh hot garlic, and at first it is forbidden even to smell it. Heat-treated garlic can be given to your baby not earlier than 8 months, and only in boiled form. The product should be introduced gradually as part of other dishes. When a child is 3 years old, he can already be given fresh garlic. From 10 years of age, the maximum daily rate is up to 3 cloves.

When losing weight

Garlic contains allicin, a substance that suppresses appetite and can ensure stable weight maintenance after dieting. In addition, garlic is useful for weight loss because it:

1. Normalizes blood glucose levels. Fluctuations in sugar can increase appetite and also affect the activity of hormones responsible for fat deposition.
2. Normalizes blood circulation and helps to remove excess fluid from the body, which affects weight.
3. Promotes absorption of "good" cholesterol and fights "bad" cholesterol, normalizes fat metabolism in tissues.

Sometimes the cause of extra pounds can be a disorder in the production of adrenaline - a hormone that is involved in the processes of breaking down fat and reducing appetite. With regular consumption of garlic, these processes largely come back to normal, while suppressing the production of cortisol - a hormone that negatively affects muscle proteins.

The benefits of garlic in combination with other ingredients

Garlic has many beneficial properties, the effect of which can be enhanced if used in combination with other products.

With milk

1. The biologically active substances in garlic and the lactic bacteria present in milk strengthen the immune system and activate the defenses of the body.
2. Garlic and milk mixture has a positive effect on the digestive system and eliminates constipation and bloating.
3. Milk-garlic cocktails help the body to assimilate nutrients better.
4. It is also worth noting the beneficial effect of the drink on the functioning of the cardiovascular system, as it eliminates excess cholesterol and strengthens the structure of the vascular walls.
5. The symbiosis of these products helps to reduce the intensity of pain syndromes in cases of arthritis.

In addition, the remedy has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system, gets rid of anxiety and eliminates insomnia. Milk with garlic helps to cope with reproductive disorders, restores the balance of bacteria in the intestines and fights parasitic infestations.

With honey.

The symbiosis of garlic and honey is a real healing remedy.

1. It improves blood circulation and has a tonic effect on the cardiovascular system.
2. It thinens the blood, prevents the formation of blood clots, prevents the formation of varicose veins, while activating the heart muscle, lowers blood pressure.
3. Helps cleanse the blood from harmful accumulations and excess cholesterol due to the presence of antioxidants.
4. Relieves chronic inflammatory processes, helps to fight them, as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
5. It is a means of preventing acute respiratory infections and treating colds.

Sometimes this composition is prescribed as an additional treatment for coughs, as it not only helps to fight its causative agent, but also clears the airways and stimulates coughing.

With lemon

Garlic and lemon tinctures are very healthy. Quite often this drink is used as a means to clean the blood vessels. Cholesterol tends to accumulate in the body. This happens because of the consumption of foods that contain a lot of animal fats. This leads to the accumulation of cholesterol in plaques and their deposition in the blood vessels. This decreases their elasticity, increases pressure, and blood clots can form. Garlic and lemon tincture helps lower blood cholesterol levels and also prevents the formation of plaques. Vitamin C breaks down and removes these harmful accumulations from the body. The drink helps cleanse the blood vessels of toxins and improves metabolism.

With kefir

Another useful remedy is a mixture of garlic with kefir. This remedy has a lot of useful properties. With regular use, metabolic processes are normalized, so the mixture helps to effectively get rid of extra pounds. Kefir with garlic is excellent as an additional dish in a period of unloading, as it will contribute to saturation of the body without overloading the stomach with fats and calories. The symbiosis of kefir with garlic helps to produce gastric juice, which leads to an increase in appetite.

The remedy should be consumed by people who suffer from GI dysbacteriosis, as well as in the presence of parasites. Kefir with garlic will help cleanse the intestines of eggs and larvae of helminths.

Pickled garlic: benefits and harms

Even heat-treated garlic has beneficial bioactive substances (allicin and ajoene), which participate in the production of hydrogen sulfide, which is a natural antioxidant. The obvious advantage of pickled vegetable is that it protects the body from bacterial viral diseases, atherosclerosis and scurvy. It can be used to lower harmful cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

With all the useful qualities of pickled garlic, you should not go overboard with the dosage, because it brings benefits only if consumed rationally.

The harmful effects of pickled garlic can be observed in the case of its intolerance. It can provoke attacks of headaches, reduced reaction speed and attention span.

How boiled garlic is useful

During cooking, garlic produces adenosine, a substance that weakens blood clotting activity, thereby reducing the risk of blood clots. Regular consumption of cooked garlic helps to normalize blood composition, reduce blood pressure and clean the blood vessels. In addition, low density lipoproteins are removed from the blood, and the intestines are cleared of parasites and germs.

The benefits and harms of roasted garlic

Roasted garlic first of all attracts attention by the absence of a pungent smell, as well as a characteristic aftertaste. But at the same time, there are more important reasons based on which such garlic should be included in your diet. For example, it is one of the foods that multiplies its positive qualities after roasting. It helps to detoxify the intestines, normalizes the immune system, prevents oxidation of the body, improves metabolism and burns fat. Roasted garlic promotes the elimination of fluids from the body, destroys germs, and helps to fight cancer cells.

If we talk about the negative effects of roasted garlic, it can be noted that it has a negative effect on brain function, causes absent-mindedness, slows down reactions and provokes headaches.

Useful properties of roasted garlic

Cooked garlic is a natural antibiotic that helps cleanse the body of bacteria. It destroys parasites, pathogens and keeps the gut working. Garlic also helps the liver in the process of eliminating toxins, toxins, poisonous compounds and carcinogens. Regular consumption of baked garlic stimulates metabolic processes that accelerate the loss of excess weight. Already after 14-18 days after starting to use this product, you can notice an increase in stamina and performance.

The benefits of dried garlic

Garlic helps accelerate the healing of wounds, destroys various viruses and germs. It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure and minimizes the risk of blood clots. Dried garlic facilitates the expulsion of phlegm from the body, slows the growth and fights the development of cancer cells, especially in people who smoke.

Consuming one head of garlic once every 3 days reduces the risk of cancer by 30%.

The benefits and uses of garlic husks

Garlic husks have bioactive substances that have a rejuvenating effect on the body. In addition, the pectin it contains helps reduce bad cholesterol levels and helps eliminate salts and harmful substances from the body. Tinctures and decoctions based on the husks can be used as pain relievers, and extracts can be used to treat candida and dandruff.

People who live in environmentally polluted places can make tinctures and decoctions based on the husks of garlic to cleanse the body. These remedies are also used when various inflammations are exacerbated, in cases of influenza and acute respiratory infections.

Garlic in medicine

Garlic is quite widely used in the field of medicine, as it has a large number of useful properties.

In diabetes

In diabetes, garlic is allowed to be consumed. This product will help to reduce sugar levels and help strengthen the body. The active substances present in garlic help the liver to produce glycogen, slow down the breakdown of insulin, and normalize the endocrine system. The most useful in this case is fresh garlic that has not been thermally processed. You can use dried product and juice from it. Acceptable dosage - about 15-20 drops of garlic juice in 50-100 grams of milk (no more). Take half an hour before a meal.

Important: The glycemic index of garlic is 30 units.

If you have pancreatitis

Garlic is contraindicated for use in pancreatitis. This product provokes an abundant production of pancreatic juice, which can be dangerous in this case. Consuming garlic will aggravate the disease. Even a fatal outcome is likely if the condition is neglected. The only exception is the period of weakening of the disease.

In case of gastritis

It is allowed to consume a small amount of garlic only in case of a stable remission. In raw form, it can not be eaten, but it is acceptable to add one clove to a dish that will be baked or stewed.

In the chronic stage, it is not recommended to eat the product, but you can add it to dishes in small portions. In the case of "burning" in the stomach and abdominal bloating, garlic should be discarded. The vegetable is forbidden to eat during an exacerbation.

For the intestines

With regular consumption of garlic, you can get rid of parasites that live in the intestines. The sulfur it contains helps to remove toxins from the body. Garlic is prescribed for treatment in cases of lead, mercury and arsenic poisoning. The vegetable rid the body of heavy metals, harmful substances - preservatives, food colorings and other additives.

For constipation.

Garlic is a product that has a laxative effect and also helps get rid of intestinal bacteria. To get rid of constipation, it will be enough to use this product as part of daily meals (2-3 cloves) - it will significantly increase intestinal peristalsis, will help flush out of the body accumulated toxins.

With gout

With gout, garlic is allowed to eat, but only in moderation. It helps to strengthen the joints and normalize blood pressure. But it is forbidden to use this product as the main medicine. During the treatment of gout, it is recommended to use the vegetable in its natural form (1-2 cloves per day on an empty stomach). In addition, ointments and tinctures can be prepared on its basis.

With colitis

In colitis, garlic can be added to food in small amounts. This will normalize the work of the intestines, and will also help in the treatment of inflammation of the digestive organs. It is recommended to use about 2 grams of garlic powder 2 times a day after a meal. Such a regimen will allow in the shortest time to adjust the stool and get rid of diarrhea, which occurs with colitis. But you should not forget about the individual characteristics of each individual person, so before starting to use the burning vegetable, you should consult a specialist.

For the liver

In moderate amounts, garlic will have a beneficial effect on the body, because it helps to cleanse the liver. In addition, garlic extract is included in medicines used to treat the liver.

When hemorrhoids

It is allowed to consume garlic in hemorrhoids, but it is necessary to observe some rules, namely - to eat the product exclusively in raw form, no more than 4 cloves per day. In the case of internal hemorrhoids with bleeding, the product should be used finely grinded.

With cholecystitis

To improve the condition and speed up treatment, you need to strictly follow the prescribed diet. For this reason, raw garlic should be excluded from the diet, but sometimes it is allowed to use a thermally processed product.

Garlic-based folk medicine recipes

Remedy for recreation

1. Cut one garlic clove into cloves and peel it.
2. If you want to cure these illnesses, put in one cup of milk and put it on a low flame and let it soften.
3. Strain and add honey (1 tbsp.), then stir thoroughly.
4. Take up to 3 times a day, 1 tbsp. 30 minutes before a meal.

The course lasts 2-4 weeks.

Remedy for rubbing the joints

1. Peel the garlic (7-8 cloves) and finely chop.
2. Add vodka (100 ml) and apple cider vinegar (0.5 l), stir and cover.
3. In a dark, cool place for 20 days, shaking from time to time.
4. When the mixture is infused, strain it.

Remedy rubbed into painful joints with arthritis and arthrosis.

A remedy for the prevention of atherosclerosis

1. Shredded garlic (100 g) mix with honey (50 g) and lemon juice (6 pcs.).
2. Cork and place in a cool place for 5 days to insist.
3. Take 1 tsp. up to 3 times a day (half an hour before meals).

When the product is finished, you should organize a 7-day break, and then repeat the course.

Garlic in cosmetology

Garlic has many beneficial properties that are used in cosmetology for skin and hair care.

For face

Anti-aging mask

1. To the garlic juice (1 tsp.) add carrot juice (2 tbsp.) and flower honey (1 tsp.).
2. Apply to clean skin.
3. Wait 5-7 minutes (the main thing is not to overdo it). Wash your face.

Anti-inflammatory mask

1. Mix garlic puree, apple juice, cosmetic clay and starch (1 tsp. each).
2. Mix the mixture until a sour cream-like consistency.
3. Apply to clean skin.
4. Leave on for 15 minutes.
5. Gently wash your face.

For Hair

Hair Loss Mask.

1. Crush garlic (1 head) and add honey (2 tbsp.).
2. Apply the mixture to dry hair.
3. Hold for 60 minutes.
4. Wash your hair with shampoo.

Mask against dandruff

1. In a garlic pulp (2 tsp.), add sour cream (1 tsp.), honey and castor oil (1 tsp.).
2. Thoroughly mix.
3. Rub the mixture into the scalp.
4. Wait 30 minutes.
5. Wash your hair.

Apply the mask can be up to 1 time a week.

Using garlic in cooking

Garlic is quite actively used in the field of cooking. Garlic seasonings are great for meat dishes, seafood, sandwiches and salads. The vegetable can act as the main ingredient in the preparation of pickled garlic cloves, which are used along with various soups and second courses. Sometimes it is even used during the preparation of sweet desserts. For example, in some countries garlic can be found in cookies, candies and ice cream.

Harms and contraindications

Like any other product, garlic has its own restrictions on consumption. It should not be consumed in the following cases:

• Gastrointestinal diseases - gastritis, ulcers, etc;
• pancreatitis;
• anemia;
• bladder diseases;
• hemorrhoids;
• allergies to the product.

It is worth noting that garlic contains a poisonous substance - sulfonyl hydroxyl ion, which causes headaches and decreased reactions. But, as a rule, this happens only with excessive use. Allergies can sometimes be observed.

Symptoms of garlic allergy

The clinical picture may be accompanied by such symptoms:

• cough;
• difficulty swallowing;
• dizziness;
• hives;
• stomach cramps;
• tingling in the perioral area;
• nausea, vomiting;
• wheezing.

In severe cases, anaphylactic shock may occur.

How to store garlic at home

The best place to store garlic is in a dark, dry, cool room with a temperature of 2-5°C and a humidity of about 75%. The vegetable can be stored in a cellar, basement, shed, crate on the balcony or refrigerator. At the same time it is necessary to periodically check the condition of the garlic. A product that has already begun to rot will emit an unpleasant odor. Softened, shriveled bulbs should be thrown away.

Can I freeze garlic

You can freeze garlic, especially since it will allow you to store it for a much longer time. It is not advisable to freeze them in whole garlic heads, since they will be too ripe after defrosting, which makes them harder to peel. You should not freeze for more than six months, otherwise the product will lose some of its useful properties.

How to peel garlic quickly

1. Classic method. Press on a garlic clove with the side of a knife blade. This will help to easily separate the husks.
2. Shaking. Place the garlic cloves in a metal container, cover with a commensurate bowl on top and shake well. After 10-15 seconds, the garlic will peel off the husks.
3. Using water. Pour cold water into a bowl and place the garlic cloves in it. After 15-20 minutes, take out the peeled cloves.
4. Using the microwave. For better exfoliation, send the garlic in the microwave for 15 seconds.

How to Eat Garlic Properly

The main secret of preserving the useful properties is that garlic should not be fried or boiled for a long time. Before using, the product should be finely chopped and left for 5-7 minutes at room temperature. This will allow the release of allicin, which will help preserve the beneficial properties of garlic.

How much you can eat per day

The acceptable daily allowance to eat garlic is 2-5 g or 1 clove.

Can you eat it at night and on an empty stomach

There is no clear answer to the question of whether it is allowed to eat garlic at night. In general, it is not forbidden to eat this product before bedtime. Depending on the state of health, it is up to the individual to decide whether he can eat garlic or not.

On an empty stomach, especially in the morning, this vegetable can and even should be eaten, because in this case its beneficial effects are more effective.

How to pickle garlic: recipes

Quick way

Ingredients:

• garlic - 1 kg;
• sugar - 5 tablespoons;
• salt - 2 tbsp;
• water - 1 l;
• vinegar (9% table vinegar) - 100 gr.

How to prepare:

1. Peel the garlic, with some of the husks should be left.
2. Boil water and add garlic. Blanch for up to 3 minutes. Rinse in cool water and place in jars.
3. Boil water, add sugar and salt, stir well. Then pour in the vinegar.
4. Put the brine on the stove for 15 seconds, strain with gauze and pour into jars.
5. After cooling, put the garlic for three days in the refrigerator.

By Ukrainian

Ingredients:

• water - 4 tbsp;
• salt - 2 tbsp;
• table vinegar - 2 tbsp.

How to cook:

1. Rinse garlic, cut off the tops, peel off the husks, leaving stalks up to 5 cm.
2. Blanch the garlic and put it in hot water for a couple of minutes.
3. Sterilize the jars and fill them with garlic.
4. Pour the brine all the way to the top (brine recipe in the previous recipe).

Can I Give Garlic to Animals

Even though garlic helps fight worms, veterinarians don't recommend including it in dogs' diets. For cats, garlic is even more dangerous. Even small doses can provoke serious digestive disorders. If an animal eats too much garlic, it will need emergency treatment or it can be fatal.

How to get rid of garlic breath odor

1. With toothpaste. After consuming garlic, you can simply brush your teeth with toothpaste. In addition, it is recommended to clean the tongue with a tongue scraper, floss well and rinse the mouth. After brushing, the result can be secured with gum.
2. Using food and drinks. Some foods can absorb the smell of garlic. For example, mushrooms, carrots and mashed potato type dishes. Garlic can also be infused with milk or tea with lemon.
3. With the help of refreshing spices. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water after eating garlic and then chew parsley leaves well. Mint, spinach, basil or fresh cardamom seeds can be used instead of parsley.

Interesting facts about garlic

1. Garlic is one of the oldest vegetable crops. Ancient people believed that this product brought strength and endurance.
2. There are many beliefs that say that garlic fights evil spirits and can protect against vampire attacks. This product is repeatedly mentioned in the novel "Dracula" by Bram Stoker, as well as in some works of Shakespeare.
3. Garlic is very attractive to leeches.
4. April 19 is National Garlic Day.
5. There are over 300 varieties of this vegetable.
6. Alliumophobia is a fear of garlic.
7. In ancient Greece, brides did not carry bouquets of flowers, but of herbs and garlic.
8. The city of Chicago (USA) is named after this vegetable. "Chicagaoua" is the Indian word for "wild garlic."
9. The highest number of garlic cloves eaten in one minute is 34.
10. During World War I, it was used as a remedy by British soldiers.
11. Fall is the best time to plant garlic. It is important to plant it four to six weeks before the soil is substantially frozen. This vegetable likes well-drained soil in a sunny location.
12. Garlic contains 17 amino acids.

Photo of garlic