Green Garlic Benefits | Nutritional Value of Green Garlic
If you work with vegetables, then you know that green garlic is not only an early sign of spring blossoms but also a delicious addition to a nutritious diet.
What is Green Garlic?
Green garlic is an immature garlic plant, which is harvested before it grows into the well-known mature bulb. This plant has a leafy stalk and flowers, which signify that it is ready to be picked, despite the bulb not fully formed. The immature bulb resembles a scallion in size and appearance and is even prepared the same way in meals. Many people use green garlic as an early-seasonsubstitute for garlic, as it has the flavor of garlic, without much of the spiciness.
People also seek out green garlic because it basically has the same nutritional makeup of traditional garlic. Garlic is known to be packed with nutrients that can complete your diet and is also a versatile spice that adds a special kick to different meals. Since this vegetable is only available for a few weeks each year, it is important to harvest and enjoy eating it whenever you can!
Nutritional Value of Green Garlic
This particular type of garlic has a modest amount of vitamin C, phosphorous, manganese and B vitamins, as well as calcium, zinc, and iron in smaller amounts. The significant and noteworthy element of garlic is its active ingredient, allicin. Converted from the enzyme alliinase, allicin is a powerful antioxidant that affects the body in numerous ways. Garlic also offers a low amount of calories, at only 5 calories per stalk, and provides other sulfuric compounds and organic acids that benefit the body.
Health Benefits of Green Garlic
The most impressive health benefits of green garlic include its ability to strengthen the immune system, stimulate circulation, protect heart health and prevent certain types of cancer, among others.
Protects Heart
Research has shown that allicin, the active ingredient in garlic and green garlic, is able to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and elevate HDL (good) cholesterol levels. In addition, it can help lower blood pressure, which reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Boosts Immune System
Like its more mature form, spring garlic has natural antibiotic properties that make it an ideal booster for the immune system. If you are struggling with a cold or infection, give your body a bit more defense by sprinkling some green garlic into your next salad. The vitamin C content will stimulate the production of white blood cells.
Prevents Cancer
Allicin has also been looked at in relation to its effect on cancer cells. As a powerful antioxidant, allicin is able to help alleviate the oxidative stress in your body and minimize your risk of cellular mutation and cancerous development. This applies not only to cancer prevention, but also other chronic diseases caused by free radical activity.
Aids in Digestion
The anti-inflammatory abilities of garlic can help to soothe any irritation of inflammation in the gut, thereby helping to speed digestion and eliminate discomfort. Garlic’s antioxidant and antibiotic properties also ensure that you have a proper bacterial balance in the stomach.
Improves Circulation
Vitamin C in garlic makes it easier to uptake iron, which also has amazingly high levels of iron and other minerals, making this herb excellent for boosting circulation. Better red blood cell production means more oxygenation of the body and faster delivery of essential nutrients to every system.
Detoxifies the Body
As a diuretic, green garlic can help to flush out the kidneys and clean the blood more effectively in the liver, improving overall health.
