Fever, chills, cough and sore throat are common in winter. These problems are more common in people who have a weak immune system. However, the immune system can be strengthened by including some things in your diet. For this, garlic available in our kitchen is very effective.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, people who eat garlic daily reduce their risk of colds and coughs by 63%. According to another study published in the same library, eating garlic keeps blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control.
So, today in health water We will talk about the benefits of eating garlic in winter. You will also learn that-
- Are there any side effects of eating it?
- Which people should not eat garlic?
Expert: Dr.P.K. Srivastava, former Senior Consultant, Government Ayurveda College and Hospital, Lucknow
Q- What nutrients are found in garlic?
Answer- Garlic contains many vitamins and minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), garlic contains small amounts of vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.
Apart from this, garlic contains a compound called allicin, due to which it has a special smell and pungent taste. Allicin protects against many diseases. Understand the nutritional value of one clove of garlic (3 grams) from the graphic below-
Question- How beneficial is eating garlic daily in winter?
Answer- Eating garlic daily in winter can prevent many diseases. Garlic has antioxidant and anti-acidity properties, which strengthen the immune system, thereby increasing one's ability to fight diseases.
Apart from this, garlic improves blood circulation in the body. This not only controls blood pressure but also reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Garlic also contains some anti-cancer properties, which prevent cancer cells from developing. It has blood purifying properties, which work to cleanse the blood of impurities.
Garlic is hot in nature. In such a situation, consuming it in winter also reduces the feeling of cold. How beneficial garlic is for health, understand from the graphic below-
Q- This is how you can include raw garlic in your diet
Answer- Garlic can be incorporated into your diet in many ways. Understand it with the following indicators-
- You can eat 1-2 cloves of garlic in the morning on an empty stomach.
- You can make garlic pickle, which is very tasty to eat.
- Garlic can also be mixed with honey.
- Garlic can also be used as a sauce.
- Garlic can also be fried in desi ghee.
- You can also drink garlic decoction in winter. For this grind 2-3 cloves of garlic along with ginger and turmeric in 1 glass of water and boil well. Honey or lemon can also be added to enhance the taste. After boiling for 10 minutes, strain it and drink it.
Question- When should garlic be eaten? Answer: Eating garlic on an empty stomach in the morning is more beneficial. The best way to eat it is to grind a clove or two of garlic and eat it with warm water.
Apart from this, garlic can also be eaten before sleeping at night. Garlic contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which helps in better sleep. Make sure to eat garlic only after crushing it and don't drink too much cold water after eating. It can be harmful.
Question- How beneficial is eating roasted garlic?
Answer- Garlic is full of many medicinal properties. No matter how it is consumed, it is beneficial. However, eating roasted garlic before going to bed at night can be more beneficial.
Eating 1 to 2 roasted cloves of garlic before going to bed removes physical weakness in men. Apart from this, garlic also has anti-aging properties, which can control the signs of aging.
Q- How much garlic can we eat daily in winter?
Answer- Dr. P.K. Srivastava states that an adult can eat one to two cloves of garlic daily in winter. Be aware that eating too much garlic can also be harmful to health.
Q- Does eating too much garlic cause any side effects?
Answer: Eating too much of anything definitely has side effects. Similarly, eating too much garlic can also cause some health problems. Understand it with following pointers-
- Some people may have an allergic reaction.
- Bad breath may occur.
- Problems like heartburn, nausea, diarrhea and indigestion can occur.
- Anemic patients may face more problems due to it.
Question- Who should not eat garlic in winter?
Answer- Dr. P.K. Srivastava states that young children, pregnant women and people suffering from any serious illness should not consume garlic without consulting a doctor. Diarrhea and liver patients should also not eat garlic. Apart from this, for people who have acidity problems, eating garlic can cause irritation in their chest.
Question- Are garlic leaves also beneficial for health?
Answer- Garlic leaves are easily available in winter. They are rich in antioxidants and minerals, which are very beneficial for health like garlic cloves. It can be incorporated into your diet in many ways. Garlic leaves can be mixed with potato, cabbage or radish paratha. It enhances the taste
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
