Surely, the saying which says “Let food be thy medicine”, knew beforehand the unknown great benefits of garlic, a specie in the onion genus, Allium.
Aside being a taste enhancer for recipes, garlic, which has been around for quite a while is of unbelievable benefits. While some countries believe garlic can be used to ward off vampires and evil spirits, it has been classified among the world healthiest food.
With a history of human use of over 7,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It was known to Ancient Egyptians, and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
In fact this wonder food has more uses than you can think of, and some really interesting ones.
1. Garlic has been used over the years to make evil spirits and vampires run away. It is said to be the flag-bearer of white magic in Europe. Central European legends describe garlic as a powerful ward against evil spirits and vampires.
2. The great smell of garlic has made Muslims to be advised against taking it before prayer time. This is because its smell is distracting. Quite a lot of Hindus do not eat it for a similar reason. For them it is a taboo because it increases carnal desires and destroys piousness. For same reason also, followers of Jainism and some sections of Buddhism completely run away from garlic.
3. Fear of garlic is medically defined as Alliumphobia.
4. If you forgot to buy insecticides, burning garlic with camphor keeps away mosquitoes, insects and flies. Crushed garlic mixed with water is a green alternative to insecticides.
5. Garlic has been said to be one of the world healthiest foods, no wonder it contains 17 amino acids. Amino acids are essential to nearly every bodily function, and make up 75% of the human body.
6. Garlic not just is good for heart as it brings down cholesterol levels. It also fights cough and cold and is a pro-biotic and keeps the gut healthy.
7. To remove the odour of garlic from hands, rub them on a stainless steel object under cold water.