Garlic

Garlic

Garlic

Formal Name: Allium sativum
Supplement Forms: Cloves, pills, liquid

Recommended Daily Allowance

  • Infants: (0 to 12 Months) N/A
  • Children: (1 to 13 years) N/A
  • Adolescents: (14 to 18 Years) N/A
  • Adults: (19 and Older) N/A
  • Lactating Women: N/A
  • Pregnant Women: N/A

Notes: No RDA info available.

Additional Information

History

Garlic is a plant native to central Asia. It was used as a food flavoring and medicine in the cultures of ancient Egypt, Greece, China, and India. Later, it was introduced to the world at large by French, Spanish, and Portuguese traders and explorers. Garlic was originally used as an aphrodisiac, and was only eaten by the lower class because of its strong odor.

Bodily Functions Garlic Assists

Garlic is a powerful health booster that stimulates the immune system. Garlic works as a natural antibiotic and antioxidant. The delicious herb is also known to lower cholesterol, prevent heart disease, and prevent cancer.

Foods High in Garlic

Garlic is frequently used a flavoring ingredient in many types of cooking. Garlic is a key ingredient of many sauces, and can be applied to directly to meats and vegetables during cooking. Roasted garlic is particularly delicious, and will form a paste when cooked that can be used as a sandwich or pizza topping. Garlic is perhaps most famous as the key ingredient of garlic bread.

Ailment That Garlic Eliminates:
  • Fights the common cold
  • Reduces cold symptoms
  • Lowers cholesterol
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Prevents cancer
  • Slows tumor growth
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Fights skin infections
Side Effects/Pre-Cautions:
  • Patients taking warfarin should consult their doctor before ingesting garlic
  • Garlic works as a blood thinner, and should be avoided before undergoing surgery
  • Individuals using insulin, protease inhibitors, or cyclosporine should not eat garlic