Ingredient Information

Function

Garlic is mainly used as a culinary ingredient. It can be comfortably used in almost any cuisine of the world, making garlic one of the most popular culinary items in kitchens worldwide. However, the healing properties of this humble bulb are many. Garlic has been in use for more than 6,000 years, being popular with multiple civilizations. Garlic is used as a condiment, garnish or seasoning.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Other Use and Industries

The bulb of the plant is divided into many sections, called cloves. This fleshy part is used for cooking (both raw and cooked) and other medicinal purposes.

Health Effects

According to the latest research, garlic has the ability to treat and fight cancer (conditions applied), primarily because of the rich mineral and useful compound content. Garlic contains amino acids like arginine, aspartic, glutaminic, valine and lysine. Studies reveal that the consumption of garlic can boost insulin levels and reduce sugar levels in the human body. Garlic also helps to strengthen immunity levels. Garlic also helps in reducing blood cholesterol, as well as in increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) ratio. Thus, it eventually reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like stroke.

Origins

Central Asia (the Steppes) is believed to be the land of origin for this plant. In early times, garlic was also used as currency, and in some parts of the world, it is still bartered for other commodities. The Greeks, Egyptians and Romans used garlic across Persia, Europe and Russia for trade. Garlic is considered a fundamental component in many dishes in Asia, Northern Africa, and South and Central America.