But all folklore aside, garlic really does fend off some nasty and unwanted beasts, namely bacteria, heart disease, inflammation, high blood pressure, cancer, and type 2 diabetes complications.
Studies have found that freshly pressed garlic extract (even when highly diluted), reduced or killed a number of germs, including drug-resistant strains of bacteria. And that same anti-bacterial substance in garlic (allicin) has been shown to protect cells from cancer-causing substances and slow the spread of cancer. (See a list of doctor-approved foods that prevent and fight cancer here.)
There are dozens of published studies touting garlic's health benefits. It is good stuff (good enough to tolerate a little garlic breath even).
Just be sure to follow this one key tip to get the most bang for your bulb: Choose fresh garlic, and let it sit for about 10 minutes after chopping to boosts the allicin.
Here are a few fun facts you may or may not know about this stinky supporter:
- Garlic is closely related to onions, leeks, and shallots.
- Garlic is a good source of vitamin C.
- Garlic is also referred to as the stinking rose.
- Rubbing your hands on a stainless steel bowl is thought to quash garlic odor. Does it work for you?
- There are a number of annual garlic festivals around the country. The Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California is one of the best known in the U.S.
Garlic-lovers' recipes:
Garlicky Spinach Dip
Rosemary-Garlic Pork Kebabs
Greek-Style Lemon Garlic Chicken
