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Garlic’s Cold-Fighting Power: How to Use It to Stay Healthy This Winter

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As the winter chill sets in, coughs and sneezes echo through the air. Are you worried about catching a cold? There’s a simple solution right in your kitchen: garlic. Let’s explore the incredible benefits of this pungent powerhouse and discover how to maximize its cold-fighting potential.

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Shutterstock

Allicin, the compound responsible for garlic’s distinctive aroma and flavor, is a natural superhero for fighting off colds. Its potent antiseptic and antibacterial properties work wonders in alleviating cold symptoms and reducing inflammation.

Garlic is also a metabolism booster and circulation enhancer, giving your immune system the kickstart to keep you healthy. A UK study of 146 adults found that those who took garlic extract for 12 weeks were 64% less likely to catch a cold than those who didn’t.

To unlock garlic’s full potential, chop or crush it before eating. This simple act triggers a chemical reaction, converting the compound alliin into the powerhouse allicin.

However, if you’re using garlic specifically for cold prevention, be cautious about cooking it. Heat can reduce allicin levels and deplete water-soluble vitamins B and C.

Cooking garlic can be beneficial if you’re more concerned about aging than colds. The heat increases antioxidant activity and boosts levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. Plus, the cooking process brings out garlic’s natural sweetness, making it easier to consume in larger quantities.

When it comes to cooking methods, boiling trumps roasting for health benefits, boiling garlic produces higher levels of S-allyl cysteine, a potent anti-cancer compound.

Research from the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences found that boiling garlic for 60 minutes quadruples its S-allyl cysteine content compared to raw garlic. Now, that’s a nutritional boost!

Here’s a pro tip: after chopping or peeling garlic, let it sit for a few minutes before cooking. This simple step can significantly increase its antioxidant properties.

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