“Aayu” in Yoruba language and “Tafarnuwa” in Hausa language

Garlic .... Is this the new cool?

Merriam -webster defines gar·lic. "\ˈgär-lik\ " As an European allium (Allium sativum) widely cultivated for its pungent compound bulbs much used in cookery, 

The garlic vegetable, yes vegetable I bet you didn't know the garlic was one, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive,and rakkyo. With a history of human use of over 7,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia,and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was known to Ancient Egyptians, and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. 

Why that pungent smell ? 

Garlic contains "allyl methyl sulphide" (sulfuric compound) which is the reason for the pungent smell and most people give this as a reason why they stay off garlic but another way to reduce the effect of garlic is to have parsley and sprigs. This is the major  reason why parsley and sprigs are combined with garlic in many of the exotic food preparations.

Pro vs Cons 

Let me start with the cons 

It has a pungent smell..

Now the pros 

It contains  allicin which is a natural antibiotic found in garlic. Proven to be stronger than tetracycline and penicillin.

Also contains AJOENE another compound found in Garlic which impedes the formation of blood clots in the arteries. Thus, helps to prevent Stroke and control cholesterols levels in the blood.

Garlic is also very rich in SELENIUM. This indispensable element is used in the neutralisation of free radicals which helps to prevent several illnesses.

Selenium is an antioxidant, helping to slow the effect of cell oxidation and Aging

Combined with vitamin A and E, the rejuvenating power of Seleniun and Ajoene are increased.

Another compound found in Garlic is called SAPONIN. This compound also helps to lower blood pressure, thus preventing stroke.

Fructose is also found in garlic. It helps to stimulate the immune system.

13 other health benefits of garlic

1. REDUCTION OF FAT IN THE BLOOD – It has been demonstrated and proven that Garlic promotes a decrease of low density lipoprotein (dangerous) from about 7% to 22%. And increases high density protein (favourable) from 15% to 31%. In addition, it lowers cholesterol and triglycerides from 15% to 20%.

2. PREVENTS HYPERTENSION – Garlic acts as a vasodilator which helps to widen the blood vessels, making blood flow smoother. This helps to lower blood pressure. Experiment shows signs of this effect in more than 75% of people and patients.

3. HEART RELAXANT – Garlic regulates the cardiac rhythm of the heart, helping to avoid Arrhythmia. This is beneficial for people who have accelerated heart rate and Cardiac Arrhythmia.

4. ANTI-DIABETIC – Garlic is a huge help with people living with diabetes and helps to prevent it as well because it helps to lower the glucose in the blood. This is due to the fact that it increases the secretion of Insulin. Insulin is in charge of regulating normal sugar levels in the blood.

5. DIGESTIVE AID – Taking Garlic prevents the blockage of gastric pancreatic and intestinal juices which are responsible for digesting the nutrients. It also helps to promote, relax and tone the Digestive system.

6. MUSCLE TONER – Muscles can be toned by taking Garlic which then can sustain an extra amount of work. It is also a great muscle relaxant. The Babylonians in 3000BC can attest to the vigor and extra vitality Garlic gives to their work force.

7. LUNGS DECONGESTANT – Garlic works as a great lung decongestant helping to loosen the harmful, infectious secretion of bronchial tubes. In addition, it helps to prevent head colds and flu. Garlic plus some Chilli pepper work as good expectorants.

8. ANTIBIOTIC AND GERMICIDAL POWER – Garlic is very effective in destroying bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus, salmonella, and other germs that cause diarrhoea, Gastrointestinal and Bronchio-pulmonary infection. It also works on fungi like Ringworm and Candidiasis.

9. HYPERTHYROIDISM – Garlic contains a lot of iodine which helps people who suffer from Hyperthyroid, a deficiency of this mineral.

10. ANTIRHEUMATIC – Ground garlic mixed with hot aloe lotion calms and eases pain caused by inflamed and aching joints, a result of Rheumatism.

11. PARASITIC WORMS – Cloves of garlic have been used to get rid of Oxyuriasis (intestinal worm) in children, working quite well to completely eliminate amoebas.

12. DIURETIC – Garlic is highly diuretic due to its essential oils and its low molecular weight sugars.

13. ARTERIOSCLEROSIS AND THROMBOSIS – Studies reveal that the ingestion of Garlic daily during the month diminishes coagulation and the destruction of clots from 72 % to 85%.

Fresh garlic VS processed garlic(garlic cubes)

As a natural preference I always go with the fresh garlic because that's all natural free from any sort of preservatives and it has the wonderful smell and flavor, but if that's to strong for you there are a lot of garlic cube brands in the market you could try.

Let me leave you with a very useful cooking tip 

If u hate having to peel garlic like I do, you could just create your own bottle of garlic infused oil

Peel a few cloves of garlic and slice the cloves in half and drop in a bottle of extra virgin olive oil or any other cooking vegetable oil of your preference, let it sit for a week and viola u get the garlic flavor whenever you need it.. Because of the oil which acts as a preservative the garlic can stay for weeks .

Bukunola