An important ingredient valued for its health benefits, garlic has long been prized for its widely varying flavors.
There are several types of garlic found and consumed around the world.
Important for its antibacterial properties and strong odor, garlic was used to preserve foods.
Short History of Garlic
Garlic originated in south-central Asia thousands of years ago.
In fact, this area of western China, northern Afghanistan and Iran is called the garlic crescent.
The plant then spread through trade around the Mediterranean and southern Europe.
Preserved garlic was found in the tomb of Tutankhamun (c. 1325 BC).
There is also historical evidence that it was used by the Babylonians 4500 years ago, and 2000 years ago by the Chinese.
English cuisine resisted garlic and was rarely used, however it was commonly used in many other European countries.
Today garlic is widely used around the world for its stinging, and aromatic flavor as a seasoning or dressing.
In addition, it’s very popular in the Arab world, where it’s used as a food ingredient, or for medicinal purposes.
“Molokhia” can contain up to three full garlic bulbs, so it’s best to love garlic!
Garlic Has an Important Place in Middle Eastern Life.
Fresh garlic plays an important role in Middle Eastern cuisine, mainly for i’s great health benefits and flavor.
Arabs have been using garlic to treat flu, whooping cough, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
It works as antimicrobial and antiviral protection.
Garlic contains a large amount of allicin, it’s considered a number one killer for bacterias that cause viruses.
The strength of garlic can be compared to that of antibiotics.
In addition, Arabs used garlic to treat wounds in order to avoid infections.
It was also used for scalp and hair, to treat baldness.
More Benefits of Eating Garlic
Garlic has many great health benefits.
Starting with the reduction of ‘bad’ cholesterol levels, as well as lowering blood pressure, sliced garlic in your food can be good for you.
Garlic use is recommended for people with hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and arteriosclerosis of blood vessels.
It helps to improve heart function, and helps to prevent strokes.
It’s also used to prevent cancer, thanks to the allicin it contains.
Additionally, garlic and garlic oil helps the digestive system.
It destroys the pathogenic microflora in the intestines, and gets rid of putrefactive processes in the digestive tract.
Garlic is rich in vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and fiber.
It can also be used as a topical, antifungal cream.
Anything Else Garlic Paste is Good For?
Garlic surprisingly has spiritual and religious uses as well.
In Europe, it was believed to be a powerful tool against demons, werewolves, and vampires.
For protection from vampires, garlic could be worn, rubbed on chimneys, or hung on windows.
In ancient Korean myths it was believed that eating 20 cloves of garlic with a bunch of mugwort plants for 100 days, would turn a bear into a woman.
There might be easier ways to find a woman!
In Persia, Garlic is used in the celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New year.
In Islam it’s not recommended to eat raw garlic before going to pray at the mosque, because of it’s bad smell.