Hello, friends! Today, I’m excited to chat about one of my absolute favorite natural remedies: garlic! It’s been around for thousands of years, both as a delicious addition to meals and as a trusted medicinal herb. From ancient healers to modern kitchens, garlic has been praised for its ability to boost health in some pretty powerful ways. So, let’s dive in and explore six amazing health benefits that make garlic an essential part of any diet.
1. Boosts the Immune System Naturally
First up, garlic is a wonderful immune booster! This little bulb has potent medicinal properties that can help fend off colds, flu, and infections. In fact, garlic contains compounds like allicin, which is known for its ability to strengthen the immune system, making it easier for your body to fight off unwanted bugs.
Did you know that garlic was once used as a “natural shield” against illnesses in ancient civilizations? During the Plague, people even wore garlic around their necks, believing it would protect them from disease. While we may not need garlic necklaces today, adding it to your meals or even taking it as a supplement can be a great way to stay healthy all year round.
Garlic doesn’t just strengthen the immune system, it may also help the body fight diseases like cancer. Research from Mount Sinai shows that garlic can kill cancer cells in test tubes and inhibit the growth of new ones. Additional studies suggest that garlic may boost immune function during challenging times, such as when fighting cancer. In one study of 50 people with inoperable colorectal, liver, or pancreatic cancer, immune activity improved after participants took aged garlic extract for six months.
Tip: Try crushing a clove of fresh garlic and adding it to a soup, stew, or salad dressing. It’s a simple way to incorporate immune-boosting power into your diet!
Golden Healing Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 25-30 garlic cloves (unpeeled)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) organic butter (grass fed)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ cup fresh ginger (you may start with 1/3 cup and add more to taste)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 ½ teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 25-30 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 can organic coconut milk
- 4-6 cups (or one carton store bought) organic vegetable broth
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Place 25-30 garlic cloves in small glass baking dish. Drizzle with avocado oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and toss to coat. Cover baking dish tightly with foil and bake until garlic is golden brown and tender, about 30-40 minutes.
- Remove garlic from oven and let cool. Squeeze garlic to release cloves, unless you peeled them prior to baking. Place the cloves into a small bowl.
- In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add avocado oil and butter.
- Add onions, thyme, ginger, turmeric and cayenne powder and cook until onions are translucent.
- Add roasted garlic and 25-30 raw garlic cloves and cook for several additional minutes.
- Add vegetable broth (or chicken stock or bone broth); cover and simmer until garlic is very tender, approx. 20 minutes.
- Add coconut milk and then, working in batches, puree soup in blender until smooth. Taste to check texture. If the soup is still too chunky for your liking, or your blender is not high powered enough to break down the more fibrous components such as ginger, simply use a fine mesh strainer and pour the soup through it, right back into the saucepan. Bring to a simmer. You may season with sea salt and pepper to taste, but check the flavor first as this will likely not be necessary.
2. Supports Heart Health
Garlic is also a big friend to your heart! Studies have shown that it can help lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol levels, both of which are important for a healthy heart. Garlic’s active compounds are thought to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow, which helps keep blood pressure in check.
For anyone dealing with heart concerns, I always recommend checking in with a healthcare provider before making big changes. That said, adding a bit of garlic to your meals is a delicious way to show your heart some love.
Recipe Idea: Whip up a heart-healthy garlic spread by blending roasted garlic with a bit of olive oil. Spread it on whole-grain bread or use it as a dip for veggies. Not only is it tasty, but it’s great for your heart too!
3. Aids Digestive Health
Garlic is not just good for the immune system and heart, it is also fantastic for your digestion. Garlic acts as a prebiotic, helping to promote healthy gut bacteria, which in turn supports overall digestive health. By balancing your gut flora, garlic may help reduce bloating and keep things moving smoothly.
A healthy gut is key to feeling great, and garlic can be a gentle ally in your digestive health journey. Plus, it’s so easy to add to everyday meals!
Cooking Tip: Add a clove or two of minced garlic to your favorite pasta sauces or roasted veggies. Not only will it enhance the flavor, but it’ll also support a happy, healthy digestive system.
4. Enhances Skin and Hair Health
Garlic may not help your breath, but garlic can be a beauty booster. Thanks to its antioxidant properties, garlic may help support healthy skin and hair by fighting off free radicals that can damage cells. Its nutrients, including vitamins C and B6, along with selenium, contribute to strong, radiant skin and hair.
For anyone interested in natural beauty, garlic can actually be used in DIY skincare and haircare routines. Garlic-infused oils, for example, can be applied to the scalp to support healthy hair growth.
DIY Beauty Tip: Mix a few drops of garlic oil with coconut oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing it out. For skin, add a tiny bit of crushed garlic to honey and use it as a quick spot treatment. Just be sure to do a patch test first!
5. Boosts Energy and Vitality
Finally, garlic can give you a natural boost of energy! Thanks to its ability to improve circulation, garlic helps deliver oxygen to muscles and tissues more efficiently, which can increase energy levels and help you feel more vibrant. Many of my patients who add garlic to their diets mention feeling more energized and ready to take on the day.
I remember one patient who was struggling with low energy. After making a few dietary tweaks, including adding garlic regularly, she reported feeling more vibrant and less tired throughout the day. It’s a simple but effective way to support your body’s natural vitality!
Encouragement: Next time you’re feeling sluggish, try adding a bit of garlic to your meals. It just might give you that extra pep in your step!
6. Fights Against Infection
Garlic is a natural warrior against infections thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of infections, including respiratory ailments, skin infections, and even ear infections.
For ear infections specifically, garlic oil can be a gentle and effective remedy. Garlic contains allicin, which helps combat bacteria and reduce inflammation, making it a go-to choice for soothing earaches naturally.
Garlic Oil Recipe for Ear Infections
Ingredients:
2 organic garlic cloves, cut in 1/4ths
3 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Directions:
- Combine cut garlic cloves with olive oil and let sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours.
- Strain and discard the garlic cloves, leaving only the infused oil.
- Use immediately or place in a clean dropper bottle to be used within 24 hours.
To Use:
Acute ear infection:
Lay on your side, add one drop to the ear, and stay still for 15 minutes. Afterward, you can put a cotton ball in the ear to ensure the oil doesn't drip out. Repeat this three times a day.
Tips:
Home garlic oil is not shelf-stable and must be used shortly after being made. Make a new batch every 24 hours.
So there you have it, six incredible reasons to make garlic a staple in your diet! From boosting the immune system and supporting heart health to aiding digestion, enhancing beauty, and boosting energy, garlic is a small but mighty addition to any meal.
Why not try a garlic-inspired recipe tonight or even experiment by adding garlic to your favorite dishes? You’ll be treating your body to some amazing benefits, all while enjoying the delicious flavor. Here’s to your health and to the powerful, flavorful goodness of garlic!