Garlic is renowned for its extensive health benefits, from boosting the immune system to reducing blood pressure. However, there’s a common mistake many make when incorporating garlic into their diet that can drastically reduce its health benefits.
1. The Right Way to Prepare Garlic
The most common mistake people make with garlic is not letting it sit after chopping or crushing it. Garlic contains an enzyme called alliinase, which converts alliin (a sulfur-containing compound) into allicin, the compound responsible for many of garlic’s health benefits.
2. Why This Step Matters
Skipping the resting period means much of the potential allicin is never formed. This simple mistake can drastically reduce the amount of the beneficial compound that’s available for absorption by your body.
3. How to Properly Use Garlic
To fully harness the health benefits of garlic, incorporate the resting step into your garlic prep routine. After letting the garlic sit, you can go ahead and add it to your recipes—whether that means sautéing it for a dish, infusing it in oils, or mixing it into sauces.
4. Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Garlic:Â The fresher the garlic, the higher the potential for allicin production. Older garlic may have less alliin and alliinase.
- Store Properly:Â Keep garlic in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to maintain its health-promoting properties.
- Consider Other Forms:Â If raw garlic is too strong for your taste, consider aged garlic supplements, which still offer cardiovascular and immune system benefits.
