Garlic and Heart Health

When it comes to cardiovascular health, there is nothing more potent than garlic. Research has proven that there are many benefits to eating garlic. Garlic has been used throughout ancient history for its health and medicinal purposes. Most of its benefits are caused by sulfur compounds formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed, or chewed.  This amazing plant should be a staple in your pantry!!!  Not only will you add flavor to your foods, but you will reap the many health benefits that this plant has to offer.

Studies have shown that garlic and garlic supplements have positive effects on the heart by regulating cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, and preventing cell damage.  It is also a great immunity booster. If you get colds often, garlic is a must, as it will reduce the length of cold symptoms and reduce the number of colds that you’re getting.  Because garlic contains antioxidants, it helps to prevent oxidative damage, which can help to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have also proven that garlic can help to remove toxic heavy metals from the body, which can lead to disease.  Garlic is very simple to add to your diet and the health benefits are vast.  Here are some simple tips to incorporate garlic into your diet.

• Mixing chopped garlic with tomatoes and fresh basil. Use this mixture on top of bread, pasta, or a salad.
• Spread crush garlic on toast and top with a tomato.
• Sauté green leafy vegetables with garlic
• Make pesto sauce.
• Add garlic to salsa or guacamole.
• Mash garlic into potatoes
• Brew a garlic tea.
• Take a garlic supplement.
• Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of garlic powder to pasta sauces, soups, and other recipes.
• Make a garlic soup.

Roasted Garlic Soup

Ingredients:

3 garlic bulbs, whole, unpeeled

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons coconut oil

1 large onion, finely chopped.

4 cups vegetable broth

½ teaspoon ground turmeric

½ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon tamari or coconut aminos

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon oregano

Sea salt and black pepper to taste.

¼ cup coconut milk (optional)

Garnish with fresh cilantro or coriander

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 345 degrees.
2. Slice ½ off the top of each garlic bulb to expose the cloves, then place cut side down on a baking tray. Drizzle with olive oil, then roast for 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. Once it is cool enough to handle, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins into a bowl of a food processor or a blender. Add some of the broth and whiz for a few seconds. Set aside.
3. Heat the coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring frequently for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the stock, turmeric, cumin, vinegar, tamari, lemon juice, blended garlic and broth, and herbs, then bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low-medium, then simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes.
4. Add the coconut milk and stir through. Taste for salt and add a little if needed.
5. Garnish soup with fresh cilantro or coriander.

Whether fresh, raw, or in a supplement form, garlic is a powerful superfood and should be part of your heart-healthy diet. If you are interested in taking garlic in a supplement form, ask Dr. Corrielus for support.

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