Jaipur, July 07, 2023.
How to eat garlic daily for maximum benefits
1. Raw garlic on an empty stomach
Eating raw garlic on an empty stomach can help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health. “Allicin, a compound found in raw garlic, is known for its cholesterol-lowering and blood-thinning properties,” explains Dr Prasad. To experience these benefits, simply eat a few cloves of raw garlic with a glass of water in the morning. “Allicin gets diluted when cooked, so the ideal way to ingest garlic is to eat it raw and on an empty stomach,” says Dr Prasad. Therefore, eating raw garlic with a glass of water is the greatest way to promote heart health and manage diabetes while retaining the most nourishment. If you worry about garlic breath you can consume it with lemon, apple cider vinegar or hot water to manage it.
2. Garlic tea
Garlic tea is an excellent option for those who prefer a milder flavour while still enjoying the benefits of garlic. To prepare garlic tea, crush a garlic clove and add it to a cup of water. Boil the tea for a few minutes and then add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Allow the mixture to steep for a couple of minutes before turning off the heat. Finally, add a teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice.
3. Garlic and honey
Combining garlic with honey is another effective way to incorporate garlic into your daily routine. Chop a garlic clove into three to four pieces and place them on a spoon. Add a few drops of honey to the spoon and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Then, chew the garlic carefully and swallow it. If the taste is too strong, you can take a few sips of warm water alongside it. Alternatively, you can prepare a mixture by combining 10 sliced garlic cloves with 5 tablespoons of honey.
4. Roasted garlic
Roasting garlic brings out a mellow and slightly sweet flavor while preserving its health benefits. To roast garlic, cut off the top of a garlic bulb, exposing the cloves. Drizzle the bulb with olive oil and wrap it in aluminum foil. Roast it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-35 minutes, or until the cloves become soft and golden. Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins and spread them on bread or mix them into dips and sauces. Roasted garlic adds a delicious depth of flavor to your dishes while providing its numerous health advantages.
5. Use garlic in everyday cooking
One of the easiest ways to incorporate garlic into your daily diet is by adding it to your regular meals. Garlic blends well with a variety of dishes, including vegetables, curries, dals, soups, and stir-fries. Finely mince or crush garlic cloves and sauté them in a little oil before adding other ingredients to infuse your dishes with its aromatic flavor. Remember that cooking garlic can reduce the potency of allicin, so if you prefer to maximize its health benefits, add minced raw garlic to your cooked meals just before serving.
6. Garlic oil
Garlic oil is another convenient way to enjoy the benefits of garlic. Garlic-infused oil can be used in cooking, salad dressings or as a flavourful drizzle over roasted vegetables or bread. To make garlic oil, peel and crush several garlic cloves, then combine them with a cup of high-quality cooking oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, in a saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring that the garlic doesn’t burn. Remove from heat and let it cool. Strain the oil to remove the garlic pieces, and transfer it to a clean, airtight bottle. Store the garlic oil in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and use it as a delicious and aromatic addition to your culinary creations.
