The first spice I’d like talk about, and this can be fresh or powdered, is garlic.
Garlic isn’t just for vampires, it boasts quite a few health benefits:
- Cardiovascular benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial and antiviral (fights bacterial infections like candida and viruses like the common cold)
- Aids in increasing your iron metabolism
- Immune system booster
- Blood thinner
- Contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C and Selenium.
All the more reason to load up! Garlic is versatile and can be added to many recipes including sauces, stir fries, meat dishes, etc.
According to Science Daily:
“Researchers have widely believed that the organic compound, allicin – which gives garlic its aroma and flavour – acts as the world’s most powerful antioxidant.”
Is fresh better than dry? Honestly, I’m not sure. There are pros and cons to both. According to Live Strong’s website, powder is just as powerful as fresh. Plus, powder is easy to store and never really goes bad. The only real difference that I can surmise is that garlic powder tends to be sweeter than fresh garlic and can be used more easily as a seasoning. It all depends on what your preference is.
Personally, I prefer fresh over powder because I tend to believe that the fresher the ingredients, the better.
Tell us, what’s your favourite garlic dish?
Stay tuned for my Thai inspired recipe using this wonder spice!
Holy, delicious! 