It is one of the ingredients you will most frequently find in stews, curries, and your pantry. Yes, we're talking about garlic, which is a pungent herb essential to the majority of Indian recipes. Garlic has developed a reputation that makes it popular with health and fitness enthusiasts outside of our kitchens as well. Garlic is widely recognised for its health-promoting properties, including supporting the circulatory and digestive systems, boosting the immune system, decreasing blood pressure, and preventing heart disease, according to the book "Healing Foods." Even the removal of poisons from your body is aided by it. Garlic is high in vitamin C, vitamin B1, B2, B3, and B6, manganese, and folate while being low in calories. Fresh, crushed, or chewed garlic contains allicin, which has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal qualities that are claimed to be particularly helpful for those with colds and coughs.
Garlic and digestion
In Ayurveda, garlic has a reputation for igniting digestive fire. Additionally, modern science has shown that garlic, when ingested in moderation, may support good digestion. "The high sulphur level in garlic provides its antibacterial capabilities, helping to keep the digestive system clean by cleaning out toxins," explains Dr Simran Saini, a nutritionist and weight reduction expert in Delhi. Additionally, it increases resistance to the common cold and guards against heart problems by unclogging blocked arteries. It improves skin radiance, speeds up the healing of skin scars, and maintains digestion in tip-top shape. "The therapeutic power of garlic is best unlocked when it is ingested raw," the expert counsels.
Fresh garlic is one of the finest treatments for indigestion, according to Dr Vasant Lad's "The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies". The book advises, "Chop up a fresh garlic clove, add a teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of baking soda, and eat it."
Fresh garlic promotes digestion and appetite when consumed first thing in the morning. Effective weight loss is supported, among other things, by improved digestion. We cannot effectively absorb and assimilate our nutrition when we have poor digestion, which may cause weight gain. Consuming raw garlic can help with stomach issues including diarrhoea.
Please be aware that anything in excess can negatively impact your general health. Heartburn, indigestion, or gas may result from consuming a much of fresh garlic. Garlic's active ingredients may irritate your digestive system, causing a burning feeling in your upper belly or chest as well. Therefore, be sure to exercise moderation.