Susie Pinon

The Magical Powers of Garlic Historical and modern uses of this potent remedy Photo by Nick Collins from Pexels In the contemporary kitchen across many cuisines, garlic is a typical staple in various dishes. As an Italian, I couldn’t imagine getting through more than a couple of meals without garlic in it, and I’m so grateful for that. While some may be wary of garlic breath and the stench that tends to radiate through your pores when eaten in excess, there isn’t one reason I would ever stop eating this immensely nutrient-dense food. In short, it is magical. Did you know that Americans eat 3.1 lbs of garlic per person per year? In the 21st century, garlic is most often used preventatively or to treat conditions in the cardiovascular system, whether it be lowering blood pressure or bad cholesterol, reducing blood clotting, suppressing cell damage, and more. The regular consumption of garlic has also been used to prevent cancer as studies link the food to increased longevity. The history behind garlic and its many uses through the centuries are fascinating. The History Egypt Garlic is one of the world’s oldest herbs, its use for medicinal and healing purposes dating back 6,000+ years, with suspected origin in Ancient Egypt. They believed that the foul odor that comes from chewing garlic would protect them from evil entities as they traveled through the night. Cloves of garlic were also buried in the tombs of renowned figures such as King Tutankhanmen as it was widely accepted as a tool to ward off evil. Historians report that garlic was consumed in massive quantities by those who contributed to the erection of the ancient pyramids. Slaves were actually paid in garlic! They were aware of the health benefits of garlic and ate it to maintain strength during long stretches of strenuous labor. Greece & Romans Greeks utilized garlic to prevent and heal a vast spectrum of diseases ranging from abscesses to circulatory disorders to bronchial conditions and more. Hippocrates was known to prescribe garlic as a treatment for many ailments. Studies prove that in the oldest Olympic Games, which originated in Greece, garlic was fed to competitors as a performance enhancer. In various countries, garlic was regularly utilized as a totem against evil. Romans followed suit in agreeing that this magical herb should be utilized to maintain proper health and that it contributed to good endurance. Roman doctors sought garlic as medicine and it was often used for digestive disorders among other things. Russia In ancient Russia, garlic was coined by doctors as Russian Penicillin, a powerfully potent treatment for scurvy in sailors. In World Wars, garlic was used as an antiseptic for wounds as well as a preventative supplement. Garlic was a renowned remedy for conditions like insomnia, malaria, gout, kidney stones, and even corns, among other things. What Makes it So Great Nowadays, scientists know that there is a compound in garlic called allicin that is responsible for its many medicinal benefits. Allicin is actually only formed when garlic is crushed, cloved, or cut because it is actually a defense mechanism of the vegetable. Allicin is the compound responsible for garlic’s vigorous odor and taste. Allicin is antibacterial, capable of killing viruses like Mercer. It’s also antiviral, effective in overtaking the common cold and other infections. As an anti-fungal, it prevents fungal infections from returning to the body. As an anti-cancer food, some compounds of allicin have shown anti-cancer activity. Garlic products nationally promote the benefits of reducing high blood pressure and cholesterol through the consumption of garlic in one of its many possible forms. Stabilized allicin is a successful method of lowering blood sugar, a dynamic tool for diabetics. Most importantly in my opinion is allicin’s ability to prevent arterial plaque in coronary arteries that comes from the consumption of cholesterol in animal products. So what are you waiting for? Go eat some! If you liked this piece and wish to support me, you can buy me a kombucha here. : ) The History of Beets & How They Changed the World Beta Vulgaris, better known as the common beetroot, was first consumed by Mediterranean cultures around 2,000 BC…medium.com 5 Vegetables You Should Be Eating Every Day Enjoy plant medicine.medium.com 5 Healthy Smoothies to Keep Your Mornings Feeling Good Life happens. I get that. That’s why I made this easy-peasy smoothie guide!tenderly.medium.com Why I Drink Chlorophyll on a Daily Basis It’s an inexpensive way to boost your immunity and overall health.medium.com Susie Pinon has her Bachelor’s in Psychology from Rutgers University. She is instinctually creative and believes in following her heart in every area of life. She is passionate about mental health, plant-based eating, and the expression of feelings. © Susie Pinon 2021 Follow The Orange Journal so you don’t miss a post. Do you love to write about self-improvement and personal development? Learn how to be added as a writer here. Sources: The History of Garlic The King of Garlic Nutritional Geography