Garlic Nutrition

Not only popular among culinary uses, this spice is also associated with great acclamations in the realm of medical science. Garlic belongs to a species in the onion family, Alliaceae, and its use in the creation of certain medicines can be dated back to the period of the Egyptian pyramids. It is also known as Allium sativum, and the onion, shallot, leek, chive and rakkyo are its relatives. The bulb of the garlic plant is what is commonly used and this bulb consists of a division of numerous fleshy sections, known as cloves. These cloves bear a characteristic pungent and spicy flavor, and are mostly used in cooking different types of dishes. The other edible parts of the plant, which are consumed when tender and immature, include the leaves and the flowers. These parts are usually used in salads to enhance flavor. Depending on the recipe and amount used, garlic may give a mellow or an intense flavor to the dish. Apart from cooking, this bulb vegetable is also employed for a number of medical purposes.

Nutrition Facts of Garlic

Note: Serving size is 136 g and the figures in percentages are according to a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrients	Nutritional Values
Total Fat	1 g (1%)
Cholesterol	0 mg (0%)
Sodium	23 mg (1%)
Total Carbohydrate	45 g (15%)
Dietary Fiber	3 g (11%)
Sugars	1 g
Protein	9 g
Vitamin A	12.2 IU (0%)
Vitamin C	45.4 mg (71%)
Vitamin E	0.1 mg (1%)
Vitamin K	2.3 mcg (3%)
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)	0.3 mg (18%)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	0.1 mg (9%)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)	1.0 mg (5%)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	1.7 mg (84%)
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	4.1 mcg (1%)
Pantothenic Acid	0.8 mg (8%)
Calcium	246 mg (25%)
Iron	2.3 mg (13%)
Magnesium	34.0 mg (8%)
Phosphorous	208 mg (21%)
Zinc	1.6 mg (11%)
Copper	0.4 mg (20%)
Manganese	2.3 mg (114%)
Potassium	545 mg (16%)
Selenium	19.3 mcg (28%)

Garlic Health Benefits

Researchers have revealed that garlic is a natural antimicrobial drug by nature. This is the reason why this spice is a potent medicine for fighting a wide variety of infectious organisms. The spice is also claimed to be an effective preventive measure against medical conditions such as atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure and cancer.

Another investigation showed that the benefits of garlic may be related to cardiovascular benefits on the body. While, some studies supported the fact that supplementation of this vegetable may reduce the accumulation of cholesterol on the vascular walls and inhibited vascular calcification in human patients with high blood cholesterol.

The antibiotic and bactericidal properties of garlic come from its content of the amino acid; alliin. This amino acid is believed to promote and enhance cardiovascular health and have a soothing effect on the respiratory system of the body. It is a well know home remedy for cough, common cold, sore throat, etc.

Germanium is known to be an anti-cancer agent and this particular element is found in abundance in garlic, more than any other herbs. In some studies, garlic was found to retard growing tumor in humans. People who have garlic on a regular basis have fewer complaints against low or high blood pressure. This is because, it is known as an aid to regulate the body's temperature.

Garlic is also related to taking care of allergies, high blood sugar levels, intestinal parasites in the body, high serum triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels. The quality of garlic to decrease platelet aggregation, lower blood pressure and increase HDL cholesterol, helps prevent arteriosclerosis and greatly reduce the chance of heart attacks. If the production of nitric oxide in the blood vessel walls increases, it helps the walls to relax. This, is also what garlic can do for the body.

The natural antibacterial, analgesic and anesthetizing properties of garlic, act as potent medicines to cure toothaches. To get instant relief from toothache, crush some fresh garlic cloves and place them on the aching tooth. Warts and other skin problems may also be treated with this antibacterial spice. Cut the tip of a clove and rub the juice over the affected area. The juice may burn or irritate the skin, so rinse with water after use.

If you have a backyard then you can grow some of your own garlic plants and reap their benefits. Alternatively, you can get them from the market, or purchase their supplements from a local health store. What's important is to make this miracle spice add flavor to your food, and improve your health!