5 FUN HEALTH FACTS ABOUT GARLIC!

According to mythology, garlic wards off vampires, so it was hung on doors and windows, worn as jewelry, rubbed on cattle, and used to expose vampires in hiding (true blood-suckers refused to eat it when offered).

But all folklore aside, garlic really does fend off some nasty and unwanted beasts, namely bacteria, heart disease, inflammation, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes complications. 

Studies have found that freshly pressed garlic extract (even when highly diluted), reduced or killed a number of germs, including drug-resistant strains of bacteria. And that same anti-bacterial substance in garlic (allicin) has been shown to protect cells from cancer-causing substances and slow the spread of cancer. (See a list of doctor-approved foods that prevent and fight cancer here.) 

There are dozens of published studies touting garlic's health benefits. It is good stuff (good enough to tolerate a little garlic breath even). 

Just be sure to follow this one key tip to get the most bang for your bulb: Choose fresh garlic, and let it sit for about 10 minutes after chopping to boosts the allicin. 

Here are a few fun facts you may or may not know about this stinky supporter:
Studies have found that freshly pressed garlic extract (even when highly diluted), reduced or killed a number of germs, including drug-resistant strains of bacteria. And that same anti-bacterial substance in garlic (allicin) has been shown to protect cells from cancer-causing substances and slow the spread of cancer. 

There are dozens of published studies touting garlic's health benefits. It is good stuff (good enough to tolerate a little garlic breath even).

Just be sure to follow this one key tip to get the most bang for your bulb: Choose fresh garlic, and let it sit for about 10 minutes after chopping to boosts the allicin.

Here are a few fun facts you may or may not know about this stinky supporter: 

1.    Garlic is closely related to onions, leeks, and shallots.

2.    Garlic is a good source of vitamin C.

3.    Garlic is also referred to as the stinking rose.

4.    Rubbing your hands on a stainless steel bowl is thought to quash garlic odor. Does it work for you?

5.    There are a number of annual garlic festivals around the country. The Gilroy Garlic Festival in Gilroy, California is one of the best known in the U.S. 

(via By Cynthia Sass, MPH, RD, PREVENTION | Healthy Living)