In the following article we are going to explain the benefits of the garlic soup which can help you fight off flu, cold and even norovirus. The recipe includes 50 garlic cloves as well as lemon, thyme and onions. The combination of these strong ingredients can kill any type of virus that gets inside the body.
Garlic is so powerful due to allicin, which is a chemical in garlic that destroys viruses. These are the facts and health benefits of allicin: Garlic is even 100 times more efficient than 2 popular antibiotics and fights bacteria that cause diseases especially foodborne illnesses, according to a study from Washington State University.
Garlic contains a compound allin that turns into allicin when crushed. This compound can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots. Garlic can also reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, and the other compounds in it can kill the bacteria and viruses that cause earache, flu and cold. Scientists have proven that this vegetable can prevent and treat digestive issues including diarrhea and can even prevent cancer development.
Helen Bond, who is a consultant dietitian and spokeswoman for the British Dietetic Association says: ‘This chemical has been known for a long time for its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal powers. Because of this, people assume it is going to boost their immune systems. Lots of people are simply mashing up garlic, mixing it with olive oil and spreading it on bread. But how or whether it may actually work has still not been proven categorically.’
The Cochrane Database, which is a respected global research organization, claims that you can cut the duration of cold symptoms in the winter by consuming garlic.
Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies are not willing to invest in trials involving garlic in order to conduct further research since there is no profit in selling garlic as a medicine.
Garlic as medicine
Ancient Egyptians have used garlic for even 22 health issues. The Ancient Greeks have used garlic as a treatment for leprosy, lung and blood disorders and for relieving insect bites. Roman Soldiers and sailors took garlic in order to boost their energy and endurance. Since the Middle Ages, this powerful natural remedy has been used as a treatment for wounds and as a measure of preventing spread of infection.
Recent studies have shown that garlic helps you remain healthier in numerous way for example by increasing the number of T-cells in the blood which are very important for fighting viruses and improving the immunity.
Allicin, which is an active ingredient of garlic, has been proven to work as an infection killer but it can also improve the blood circulation, reduce high cholesterol levels and keep cardiovascular issues under control.
The ability of garlic to reduce high blood pressure has been explained in a study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Dentists from Brazil have discovered that you can prevent tooth decay and gum disease by gargling garlic water which destroys the germs responsible for the issues with the oral health.
The best way to prepare garlic
There are two beliefs about how garlic should be prepared. According to one, you should bake the garlic in order to release more allicin. According to the other you should peel the cloves and let them sit for a few minutes.
You can prepare garlic both ways if you can’t make up your mind. Peel one half and roast the other.
Garlic soup recipe
- 26 unpeeled organic garlic cloves
- 26 peeled organic garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of organic grass-fed butter
- 3 ½ cups of organic vegetable broth
- ½ cup of coconut milk
- 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh chopped thyme
- 2 ¼ cups of sliced onions
- ½ cup of fresh ginger
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne powder
- 4 lemon wedges
Preparation:
Place the 26 garlic cloves in a baking dish, add some sea salt and olive oil and stir them to spread the condiments. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 45 minutes. Afterwards, squeeze a little to release the cloves and place them in a bowl.
Over medium heat, melt the butter then add the onions, ginger, cayenne powder and thyme. Cook these ingredients for about 6 minutes before you add the roasted and the raw garlic cloves in the pan. Cook for another 3 minutes and then add the vegetable broth. Cook 20 minutes until the garlic becomes tender and blend the soup. Then, place it in the saucepan again and add the coconut milk. Simmer for a few minutes, add the sea salt and the pepper. Serve the soup and squeeze 1 lemon wedge into each bowl.