The Benefits of Raw Garlic by Mary Anne Durkee

I was checking out a recipe on Chicken With 20 Garlic Cloves, when the concept of using crushed and raw garlic versus cooked garlic came up. It was the first time that I heard that crushed, raw garlic brings a whole new taste to the dish compared to sliced and already cooked garlic. My curiosity wouldn't be abated, so I dug up a little more information about the benefits of crushed raw garlic.

Why is Raw Garic Beneficial?

The Health benefits of garlic are well known. Garlic has been used for ages in curing various ailments in both Chinese and Indian herbal medicine.Raw garlic contains multiple compounds and antioxidants including organosulfur compounds which are responsible for anti microbial functions, this is why raw garlic is best for fighting bacterial and fungal infections.Garlic is also said to reduce the chances for cancer, especially stomach cancer.Recent surveys suggest that raw garlic helps in preventing blood clots and keeping the blood pressure down more than cooked garlic.

How to infuse raw garlic in cooking?

Research conducted by Argentinean scientists along with the US Department of Agriculture also states that baked or boiled garlic are as healthy as raw garlic. Microwaving garlic on the other hand was not encouraged as it was found that this neutralized the clotting property of garlic. Also, it was advised to add crushed raw garlic rather than sliced garlic to food as it leads to the release of a larger amount of the healthy thiosulfinates. Crushing the garlic also guarantees easy absorption of the essential chemicals. Of course the irresistible "zing" crushed raw garlic adds to a dish is an added boon.

So, to get maximum use of the anti oxidative and antibiotic properties of garlic, crush raw garlic and then add it to your dishes towards the end of the cooking. It is even better to consume raw garlic. These measures will be far more effective than the garlic supplements some resort to. Yes, garlic breath could be a problem; it might help to have parsley with it.

Avoid an overdose of raw garlic!

However, remember that cooked garlic has enhanced cardio-protective properties and eating too much raw garlic can result in irritation or even damage of the digestive tract. It is all about using a balanced amount of crushed and cooked as well as raw garlic in your diet. So go ahead and get some good garlic recipes.You can start with the garlic bread and Pasta with Lemon and Garlic recipe.

Mary-Anne is a featured member and regular contributor at ifood.tv, a global food network, featuring recipes from all over the world. Other popular recipes videos on ifood.tv include Sauce Recipes, Garlic recipes and Pie recipes

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