Edited by: Pratibha Thakur
Garlic is a plant known for its distinctive bulb, which is made up of individual cloves. It is widely used as a seasoning and flavor enhancer in cooking, adding a strong, savory taste to dishes. Garlic has been valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its potential health benefits. This herb contains various bioactive compounds, including allicin, which is responsible for its pungent aroma and many of its medicinal properties. Garlic is believed to have antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a popular choice for both cooking and traditional medicine. People use garlic to add flavor to a wide range of dishes, such as soups, sauces, stir-fries, and roasted meats. Additionally, it is available in various forms, including fresh cloves, dried powder, and supplements, allowing individuals to incorporate it into their diets based on personal preference and health goals. Garlic is a versatile herb known for its flavor and potential health benefits, and it plays a significant role in various cuisines around the world.
Table of contents
• What is Garlic
• Other Names for Garlic
• Garlic's Effect
• Garlic nutritional value
• Benefits of Garlic
• Disadvantages of Garlic
What is Garlic?
Garlic, a type of plant, is known for its bulb, which is commonly used in food as a spice, condiment, sauce, pickle, and in medications. It has a strong odor, which is why it falls into the category of medicinal herbs. Garlic offers various health benefits and has been found to have remarkable properties. It is a major flavor enhancer and is used to enhance the taste of many dishes. Garlic has several health benefits, such as its medicinal properties, antioxidants, and its role in preventing diseases.
Other Names for Garlic
Scientific Name: Allium Sativum
Family: Amaryllidaceae
Sanskrit Name: Lasuna, Ashobhak
Hindi Name: Lahsun
Common Name: Garlic
Useful Part: Bulb
Garlic's Effect
Garlic has a warm nature, so it should be consumed in accordance with your body's needs.
Garlic nutritional value
Garlic is a nutritious herb that offers a range of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds. Here’s an overview of its nutritional value per 100 grams of raw garlic:
• Calories: 149 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 33.06 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 2.1 grams
• Sugars: 1 grams
• Protein: 6.36 grams
• Fat: 0.5 grams
• Saturated Fat: 0.09 grams
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.021 grams
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.249 grams
• Vitamin C: 31.2 milligrams (52% of the Daily Value)
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): 1.235 milligrams (62% of the Daily Value)
• Niacin (Vitamin B3): 0.7 milligrams (4% of the Daily Value)
• Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 0.11 milligrams (6% of the Daily Value)
• Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.2 milligrams (13% of the Daily Value)
• Manganese: 1.672 milligrams (83% of the Daily Value)
• Phosphorus: 153 milligrams (15% of the Daily Value)
• Calcium: 181 milligrams (18% of the Daily Value)
• Potassium: 401 milligrams (12% of the Daily Value)
• Iron: 1.7 milligrams (9% of the Daily Value)
• Magnesium: 25 milligrams (6% of the Daily Value)
• Zinc: 1.16 milligrams (8% of the Daily Value)
• Selenium: 14.2 micrograms (20% of the Daily Value)
• Allicin: Garlic’s active compound with various health benefits.
• Antioxidants: Garlic contains various antioxidants that help protect the body from oxidative stress.
• Sulfur Compounds: Responsible for garlic’s pungent odor and many of its health benefits.
• Fiber: Provides digestive benefits.
Keep in mind that the nutritional content of garlic can vary slightly depending on its size and variety. Garlic is also commonly used in small quantities as a seasoning or flavor enhancer rather than as a primary source of nutrition, so these values are for raw garlic. Cooking garlic can alter its nutritional profile, especially the vitamin C content, which may decrease with heat exposure. Nonetheless, garlic remains a healthy addition to a balanced diet due to its various health-promoting compounds.
Benefits of Garlic
Garlic is a nutritions and medicinal tuber which has been shown to have significant health benefits:
- Garlic contains protein, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and minerals such as magnesium, selenium, and calcium, which perform important functions for our body.
Garlic helps in strengthening your immune system, because it contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties which help in protecting you from infections, that is why it is also considered antiviral for the human body.
- Garlic contains a plant substance called allicin that helps improve heart health, such as lowering blood pressure, balancing blood pressure, and controlling cholesterol.
Some research has shown that the sulfur present in garlic may help fight against cancer, with particular benefits seen in prostate, gastric , and colon cancers.
Vitamin A and selenium found in garlic help in maintaining eye health.
- Enzymes found in garlic can improve digestion and make the digestion process easier.
Due to antibacterial properties of garlic, it is helpful in eliminating worms and bacteria from our stomach.
Due to its warming nature, it is considered beneficial for problems related to cough in winter.
- Garlic, when crushed and consumed with ghee, can be beneficial for ailments related to Vata dosha.
- Consuming garlic in the right quantity during pregnancy helps in giving birth to a healthy and strong baby.
Anti-oxidant and inflammatory properties are found in garlic, due to which it is considered helpful in bone joint pain in arthritis patients. It is more effective if you eat it in the morning on an empty stomach.
Disadvantages of Garlic
Many medicinal benefits can be seen by consuming garlic in proper quantity but some of its disadvantages are also seen, people should consume each food item or medicine as per their body's requirement, otherwise the benefits will be limited. Damage may occur instead of:
- Some people may experience gas, acidity, or stomach-related issues when consuming garlic.
- Garlic allergies can cause skin problems such as rashes, itching, or irritation.
Excessive use of garlic can cause bloating and flatulence.
Consuming garlic helps in thinning of blood. A person who is already taking blood thinning medication may have further thinning of blood. Consuming it can increase the problem, hence such a person must consult a doctor.
- The strong odor of garlic can be unpleasant in your breath and sweat.
Excessive consumption of garlic can interact with drug ingredients and reduce the effectiveness of medications.
- Consuming garlic can cause bad odor from our body and breath.
- Consuming large amounts of garlic may cause stomach disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain in some people.
- Pregnant women should not consume garlic or garlic supplements.
- If you have any medical problem or are on any medication, then first consult your doctor before taking it.
Before consuming garlic, especially if you have any of these problems, it is best to consult a doctor.