The Japanese garlic originated in Central Asia; However, it is currently a food that is used around the world not only to flavor dishes but also for its medicinal benefits, including the reduction of cancer risk, lowers blood pressure and strengthens the immune system. Find out what benefits this type of garlic offers, how it is prepared, its characteristics, and where you can get it.
How is Japanese garlic and why is it different from the rest?
Japanese garlic looks very strange and while some confuse it, it is not the same as Chinese garlic. The Japanese variant is characterized by the following:
- Five and seven large teeth per sphere
- Large bulbs, almost reaching that of elephant garlic
- Yellow teeth, almost brown
- Not very strong taste, just a little spicy which makes it very enjoyable for most people
What’s the point of consuming Japanese garlic?
Among the best known benefits of Japanese garlic are:
Strengthen the immune system and prevent infections
According to research published in Advances in Therapy, people who consume this type of garlic are less likely to catch a cold and they recover faster, compared to those who don’t eat it.
Researchers think this is because garlic contains a substance called allicin, which can prevent colds.
On the other hand, there is research that seem to indicate that frequent consumption of garlic can kill fungi, viruses and bacteria
Lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease
According to data from a study published in Experimental and Therapeutic MedicineAfter four weeks of the Japanese garlic diet, a clinically significant antihypertensive effect was obtained in adults with mild hypertension.
Also other research have found that consuming Japanese garlic helps reduce the risk of heart attack and heart failureThis may be because it slows blood clots, improves circulation, and reduces plaque build-up in the arteries.
Lower the risk of cancer
Eating this type of garlic, raw or cooked, can be of great help in preventing the risk of developing colon and stomach cancer, according to a study from the University of Maryland.
On the other hand, there is research indicating that garlic and its compounds reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in animals.
Improve the functioning of the urinary system
According to a study published in Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Garlic extract can be effective in fighting resistant bacteria in the urinary tract
In fact, a clove or two of garlic with lemon juice has been used as a home remedy to clear urinary tract infections for years.
Lose weight
According to a study published in Nutrition and metabolismGarlic oil can suppress weight gain and reduce adipose tissue in rats.
In addition, the researchers found that this oil can also be effective in improving the lipid profile and relieving liver steatosis.
How should Japanese garlic be taken?
Japanese garlic can be a perfect substitute for the regular garlic it is regularly cooked with. It can be included in most recipes to flavor food, such as meat, pasta, salads, soups and sauces.
However, there are a few options for incorporating it into everyday life:
- Slice a clove of garlic and add it to salads.
- Make a syrup with garlic and honey by putting all the crushed cloves of garlic in a glass container along with the honey. This mixture should rest for at least 24 hours.
- Make a dressing with five cloves of Japanese garlic, 50 g soy sauce, 30 g freshly squeezed lemon juice and 20 g olive oil. Mix the ingredients and add to the dish of your choice.
- Drink a garlic infusion, which can be done by boiling two cups of water into which the chopped garlic is placed and boiled for at least two minutes.
Where can you get Japanese garlic?
If you want to consume this type of garlic, it is not difficult to get it in Mexico. Actually, it is easily available in some supermarkets.
Effects of Consuming Too Much Garlic
As with other types of garlic, If you consume a large amount of this, you can get headaches, diarrhea, vomiting, burning and upset stomach.
Japanese garlic is very promising for your health. However, this food is not a panacea for any disease, so it is not a substitute for any treatment for the above conditions. Consumption must be moderate to avoid adverse effects.
With information from the US National Library of Medicine and Tuberculos.org.