The “stinking rose” as its sometimes called, isn’t just a tasty flavour for cooking – it also qualifies as a Superfood for your health (a superfood is high in nutrients and devoid of harmful substances)

IMMUNE BOOSTER

The organic compound allicin, which is responsible for garlic’s unique aroma and flavour, is known as one of the world’s most powerful antioxidants (antioxidants scavenge the free radicals that damage our cells and promote disease). Traditional Chinese medicine has used garlic as an immune booster for more than 3,000 years, so it’s not surprising that now western research is focusing on determining the role it could play in strengthening our overall immunity. Eating garlic appears to boost our natural supply of hydrogen sulfide -another potent antioxidant. This power to boost hydrogen sulfide production may be another reason why a garlic-rich diet appears to protect against various cancers.

APHRODISIAC

Tibetan monks were forbidden from entering the monasteries if they had eaten garlic.
Why? It relaxes the blood vessels, helping increase blood flow and circulation, which can have a libido boosting effect!

ANTIBIOTIC

The allicin in garlic is also a powerful antibiotic, which fights infection and bacteria. Researchers gave 146 people either a placebo or a garlic extract for 12 weeks. The garlic takers were two-thirds less likely to catch a cold. Garlic also helps to open clogged sinuses.

WEIGHT CONTROL

Garlic also contains sulphur and more and more research shows that sulphur may have a positive effect on the inflammation commonly associated with weight gain. It seems that the sulphur-containing compounds in garlic help prevent preliminary stage fat cells (called preadipocytes) from developping into fully fledged fat cells, or adipocytes.

Wise Tip

Garlic can lose much of its nutritional value when heated  – so adding fresh garlic to your recipes is the healthier alternative. A simple way is in salad dressings.