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Garlic has been used for a variety of purposes for more than 5,000 years. The earliest records are found in Egypt, where
archeologists discovered paintings of garlic in Egyptian tombs.
Other ancient civilizations also embraced garlic's many properties. In Greece and Rome, garlic was considered a remedy for
a variety of ailments, including digestive problems, high blood pressure, senility and impotence. Soldiers also ate it before
battles to give them courage. The ancient Hebrews used garlic for its ability to give color to the complexion, improve blood
circulation and kill parasites. In India, ancient medical documents mention garlic as treatment for heart disease and
rheumatism, as well as, coughs and colds, while the Chinese made garlic part of their cuisine as far back as 2700 B.C.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, Christian monks in Northern Europe perpetuated the medicinal use of garlic. In the Middle
Ages, garlic was thought to combat the plague and was hung in braided strands across the entrances of houses to prevent evil
spirits from entering, as well as vampires.
Due to its pungent odor, garlic was not widely used for cooking in America until around 1940, when it was finally recognized
for its seasoning abilities. During World War II, when the U.S. government wanted to ship dehydrated garlic to troops
overseas, farmers responded by planting acres of garlic and a successful industry began.
Health Benefits
All superstitions aside, modern research confirms much of what our ancestors believed about the health benefits of
garlic. Today, we know that garlic's healing powers stem from more than 33 active sulfur compounds found in the vegetable.
These substances help the body fight off enemies such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.* Specifically, garlic has been
shown to:
- kill 23 types of bacteria**
- lower serum cholesterol by preventing clotting in the arteries**
- regulate blood sugar metabolism+**
- stimulate and detoxify the liver+**
- stimulate blood circulation and the nervous system+**
Garlic also contains vitamins such as A, B and C, that stimulate the body to fight carcinogens and get rid of toxins,
and may even aid in preventing certain types of cancer, such as stomach cancer.**
Did You Know?
- The Egyptian king Tutankhamen was sent on his journey into the afterlife accompanied by garlic,
which was considered the protector of the soul and guardian of riches.
- Ever wonder how the slaves building the pyramids lifted all those heavy blocks of stone?
Apparently they were fed garlic to increase their strength.
- Greek Olympic athletes counted on garlic to improve their performance.
- In Transylvania, garlic was believed to ward off another blood-sucker besides vampires.
It was used as a mosquito repellent.
- Americans eat more than 250 million pounds of garlic a year.
- In Egypt, garlic was so highly prized, it was even used as currency.
- The word garlic comes from Old English garleac, meaning "spear leek."
- In the 1920s, diner slang referred to garlic as "Bronx vanilla," "halitosis" and "Italian perfume."
- In 1858, Louis Pasteur documented that garlic kills bacteria with one milliliter of raw garlic
juice proving as effective as 60 milligrams of penicillin.
- Before the introduction of antibiotics during World War II, garlic was the favored treatment
for whooping cough and tuberculosis.
- During World War II, when penicillin and sulfa drugs were scarce, the British and Russian armies
used diluted garlic solutions as an antiseptic to disinfect open wounds and prevent gangrene.
- The annual worldwide consumption of garlic is approximately one clove for every living person.
- China, Thailand, Spain and Egypt produce the most garlic.
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