What is a clove of garlic? Discover all about the garlic, a powerhouse of nutrition!
Garlic is a unique vegetable that comes with powerful and potent nutritional potential. This health-driven allium vegetable has its own forever spot in the spice cabinet of all pantries. However, those who remain oblivious from the spectacular benefit of a tiny clove of garlic and this wonderful vegetable might ask, what is a clove of garlic? Well, we are here to shed light upon your doubt, ‘what is a clove of garlic,’ and you will be so impressed by this spicy and savory veggie that it would indeed become a part of your everyday take-off meals!
If you have been wondering about some common queries such as, what is a clove of garlic? Whether it is a complete garlic bud or just a few chunks of garlic? What are the health aids of a clove of garlic? This is the perfect piece of information as this comprehensive guide will showcase all the answers to your simple doubts!
What is a clove of garlic?
Garlic vegetable plant belongs to the Allium family. And the clove of garlic is an individual piece of garlic with a skinny and white papery layer that has been peeled down before usage. A single clove of garlic contains an enormous amount of health-friendly nutrients and antioxidants like glutathione that are covered in a fragile, papery skin that you unwarp before using! These cloves are stick to each other at the center located in the base.
The allium garlic belongs to the onions, leeks, and shallots. So a single piece of the garlic bulb is called a clove of garlic. And one bulb of garlic contains about 10–20 cloves.
You can find garlic in many parts of the world. Garlic is a famous spice ingredient that is most commonly used for its unique, robust flavor and spicy taste. However, throughout ancient history, the primary use of garlic was for its health and medicinal properties.
1 – Garlic is full of medicinal benefits and compounds that support health
For many years, scientists have decided that nearly all of the nutritional benefits of garlic are because of the sulfur compounds present in the garlic. When garlic is chopped and crushed, the sulfur compound form in it.
And, one of the most potent antioxidants of garlic is Allicin. Allicin is an ultimate powerful compound that can be traced in fresh garlic when chopped or cut. However, other combinations and antioxidants also play a significant role in supporting health. A digestive tract is the medium through which all the sulfur compounds make a way to the body and reach all of the body parts, and afterward produces its potent biological benefits to a body.
2 – Garlic is a powerhouse of nutrition yet has very low calories
Garlic is positively loaded with nutrition and vitamins. So, one clove of single garlic possesses about 2% Manganese, 2% Vitamin B6, 1% Vitamin C, 1% Selenium, and 0.06 grams Fiber.
Besides this, you can also fulfill the daily recommended dose of nutrients like phosphorus, iron copper, vitamin B1, potassium, and calcium. However, garlic is relatively low in carbohydrates and full of numerous other nutrients and vitamins. So, you can fulfill a dose of all the beneficial vitamins and nutrients that your call for.
3 – Garlic is a powerful remedy to cure seasonal sicknesses such as cold and flu
Garlic supplements are quite powerful in treating seasonal infections such as flu and cold, and the consumption of garlic has been linked with the betterment of immune system functions.
A study performed within a span of12 weeks has shown that garlic extract consumption daily decreased the propensity towards developing cold and flu by about 63 %.
Also, all the cold and flu symptoms were decreased by 65%, whereas other studies showed that a potent dose of aged garlic extract, 61 % reduced the period of sickness like cold or flu. However, a single review also concluded that the following study and research need in-depth research. So, if you are prone to developing colds and flu, your daily diet should contain some chunks of garlic.
4 – Garlic is a powerful source of active compounds that can decrease blood pressure issues
Consumption of garlic can prevent many cardiovascular health issues such as strokes and heart attacks; cardiovascular alignments are one of the biggest causes of death across the world. Some alignments like hypertension and high blood pressure can also be combatted by the consumption of garlic. Some research studies have shown the facts that garlic consumption holds the significant role in the remarkable decrease in blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure.
5 – Garlic consumption is good for keeping cholesterol levels and heart disease in check
Garlic is beneficial in decreasing the whole LDL cholesterol levels. And for those folks, who deal with high cholesterol issues, garlic extract can reduce 10–15% of the total LDL cholesterol. One of the most potent risk factors for heart diseases is a high level of triglycerides; however, garlic extract has not shown any significant impact upon the triglyceride levels as per some researches.
6 – Garlic is a natural source of powerful antioxidants that significantly prevent diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s
Garlic can cure the oxidative damage effect produced by the free radicals. Oxidative damage is also one of the most common causes of the skin aging process. Garlic clove is wholly power-packed with antioxidants responsible for maintaining the protective mechanism of the body that fights against oxidative damage. Some studies have shown that high doses of garlic supplements have increases the antioxidant enzymes in humans. Also, it reduces oxidative stress in patients dealing with high blood pressure.
7 – You can improve the athletic performances by the consumption of garlic supplements
Garlic is one of those vegetables that play a significant role in enhancing athletic performance. In ancient culture, garlic was predominantly used for many of its physical activity, improving benefits. Some cultures used garlic for its fatigue-reducing and increase athletic performances.
8 – A consumption of garlic will help you to detoxify your body
The huge sulfur compounds in garlic are also able to fight against the effect caused by the oxidative damage while cleaning the body from heavy metal toxicity. Garlic extract also showed the decrease in numerous toxicity signs, which also includes symptoms like blood pressure and headaches.
9 – Garlic helps improve bone health
Although there are no significant amount of research that shows a connection between garlic consumption and bone loss improvement.
However, there some studies that showcase the increase of estrogen with garlic consumption, which might further prevent the loss of bone density in females dealing with osteoporosis. Interestingly, there is one research study that shows the significantly decreased marker of estrogen deficiency in menopausal women by a simple daily consumption the dry garlic extract. So, this straightly suggests the beneficial effect of garlic on women’s bone health in women. All the women dealing with osteoarthritis should make foods like garlic and onions a part of their diet.
10 – Garlic can be found anywhere and can be easily made a part of the diet
Garlic is quite delicious and toothsome to eat, as it contains a unique spicy flavor and savory vibe.
Garlic gets fitted in almost every dish that calls for a savory and spicy flavor; specifically dishes like soups and stews are the best for garlic addition. The intense flavor of garlic can give a powerful kick to enhance the monotonous recipes with a bland taste.
You can find garlic in numerous forms, from soft paste to whole cloves and supplements like garlic oil and extract. However, bad breath is one of the side effects caused by the overconsumption of garlic.
What is considered a clove of garlic?
A garlic vegetable which you buy from the supermarket is known as a head that consists of several inner cloves capsulated in a thin, white papery skin, so a single piece of it is known as clove. The number of cloves in the garlic could largely depend upon the size and shape of the garlic. Clove is the part that is most commonly used in the recipe after you unwarp its papery white skin. You remove the cloves from the head and afterward chop, mince or slice it as needed.
However, the traditional garlic can range from sweet to very mild and contains an intense pungent and fiery taste. A garlic clove that has a bluish- purplish is many times intense in flavor.
We hope you enjoyed our comprehensive guide that explained that ‘what is a clove of garlic’ in detail and all the mind-blowing and health benefits as well. If you know some exciting information, kindly share your thoughts in the comment section; thank you!
