Chinese garlic - Dream sship

Garlic has been one of the most important crops in China since ancient times. Not for fun today it is considered the largest producer of garlic in the world. It is said that Chinese garlic is the type of more expanded garlic, meeting widely available throughout Asia, Europe and even the United States.

Like the rest of the garlic varieties , Chinese garlic is credited with excellent health benefits , ranging from strengthening the immune system and detoxifying the body, to preventing cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Keep reading below to learn about the distinctive characteristics of Chinese garlic , its properties and health benefits, the main forms of consumption and possible contraindications , among other interesting topics.

Index

How is Chinese garlic? Common Features, Nutrients, and Uses

Originally classified as a subspecies of the stiff-necked garlic variety, Allium Sativum var. Pekingese, Chinese garlic has now been reclassified as a form of common garlic , Allium Sativum var. Ophioscrodom.

Some of its most important features are:

Head of medium size, with a slightly flattened shape.
Approximate amount of 8-12 teeth per head (can vary in this range).
Thin, white skin with purple streaks.
Uniform, crescent-shaped teeth.
It has a creamy texture and a spicy flavor (not very intense).

Chinese garlic is an excellent source of manganese, calcium, copper, phosphorus, selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 ¹ . Itscontribution of essential nutrients, as well as its content oforganosulfur compounds, make it an ingredient with high healthy potential.

It is said that due to its characteristics, this garlic is more suitable for certain preparations , especially sautéed and roasted, but the truth is that it is used to season any recipe in the kitchen. Chinese garlic pairs well with chili peppers, ginger , citrus fruits, soy sauce, roast meats, and starches.

It can also be used raw, preferably after slicing or grinding the cloves and letting them sit for several minutes. Keep in mind that this step is essential for the allicin to form and, therefore, increase the healthy properties of garlic.

The shelf life of Chinese garlic can be extended up to 4 months, as long as it is stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

What is Chinese garlic good for? What are its healthy benefits?

The cultivation of Chinese garlic is said to date back to ancient times, and it has been a key ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine ever since.

The health benefits attributed to Chinese garlic are no different from the healing properties attributed to common garlic. In fact, they are currently classified within the same species.

In general, Chinese garlic also exhibits properties²:

Immunostimulants
Antioxidants
Anti-inflammatory
Circulatory
Anticoagulants
Detoxifying
Anticancerígenas
Antimicrobial
Carminativas

According to scientific evidence, its daily consumption ( especially when eaten raw ) can offer a wide list of health benefits³ . These include:

1. Strengthens the immune system

Thanks to its contribution of essential nutrients and antioxidant compounds, garlic can stimulate the proper functioning of our defenses . Its antimicrobial and detoxifying capacity also helps us prevent common infections and eliminate a greater number of toxins⁴ . It can be a good ally against colds, flu, and fungal infections.

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2. It has a protective effect against cancer

Numerous investigations have reported on the link between regular garlic consumption and a lower risk of developing cancer ⁵ . Apparently, consuming raw garlic frequently, as well as otherbulbsof the Allium family (onion,chives,leeks,chives), can prevent the formation of cancer cells in the stomach, colon, esophagus, pancreas and breasts.

3. Promotes good heart health

Taking into account the properties of garlic to reduce cholesterol levels, regulate blood pressure levels, combat oxidative stress in the body and prevent the formation of blood clots, its regular consumption can be beneficial to protect cardiovascular health⁶.

4. Provides protection against certain neurological diseases

Some findings indicate that the compounds in garlic trigger a series of beneficial reactions for our brain . Although more studies are needed to confirm this discovery, it is believed that garlic can prevent age-related neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s⁷.

5. Protects bone health

Both fresh garlic and garlic-based products ( aged black garlic , extracts, tinctures, supplements) have also been found to help protect bone density, a factor that degrades with aging.⁸ . Thecalcium content and bioactive compounds in garlicappear to be responsible for this effect.

Later:

6. Improves the health of skin and hair

The nutritional, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and stimulant properties of garlic have a positive impact on the health of the skin and hair. Consuming it regularly as part of your diet and using it as a topical remedy can help fight acne symptoms and scalp infections .

It may interest you: Benefits of Onion for Hair (Juice, Shampoo, Mask, Oil)

7. Helps to lose weight

Another benefit of including garlic on a regular basis in the diet is more effective fat burning and weight loss , as long as it is combined with a healthy lifestyle. It has been observed that its organosulfur compounds boost thermogenesis in the body, improve the absorption of nutrients and lower blood cholesterol levels, this being a group of very favorable effects for people who want to lose weight⁹ . Theslimming power of raw garlicappears to be greatest when takenon an empty stomach.

8. It is a good ally against diabetes

Several studies have found that the sulfur compounds present in garlic help regulate blood glucose levels ¹⁰ , hence its consumption ishighly recommended for diabetics. In addition, it is a natural ingredient that provides a lot of flavor, without raising sugar levels or the number of calories.

Note : Different sources warn that, due to the supposed lack of regulations in the cultivation and handling of Chinese garlic, its quality could be affected and therefore, its real contribution of benefits.

Fun facts

Many of the ancient beliefs linked to garlic are still valid today. Young children in China are known to still rub their foreheads with garlic oil as protection against vampires .
In China, there is a custom to spread salads with fresh Chinese garlic to give them flavor and reduce salt consumption.
The bulbs of Chinese garlic have no roots because these are cut before being exported. This allows them to save money by reducing their overall weight.
In recent times, different sources have warned about the danger of disappearance faced by other varieties of garlic , such as Spanish garlic . The low costs offered by the importation of Chinese garlic and the higher yield of its cultivation have caused the global expansion of its seeds, becoming an economic substitute that threatens the prevalence of local garlic¹¹.

How much Chinese garlic can you eat per day?

Regardless of the type or place of origin, the recommended daily amount of garlic does not vary. In this case, it is recommended to consume 2-4 cloves of Chinese garlic per day , but the truth is that each person can consume more or less garlic depending on their preferences, their eating style or their tolerance level. If your intention is to take full advantage of its health benefits, then be sure to consume it raw so you don’t waste the allicin content .

Are there any contraindications or warnings about Chinese garlic?

First of all, it is important to note that consuming too much garlic can backfire and cause side effects in some cases. This is especially noticeable when we eat too much raw garlic. The most common adverse symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, irritation, and excess intestinal gas.

The quintessential side effect when we eat too much garlic is the strong smell on our breath. No matter how much we brush our teeth, garlic breath does not go away easily. Some of the most effective tricks to cover it up include chewing apple, parsley, or spinach, and drinking lemon juice or green tea.

In general, it is advised that people with blood clotting disorders, people with a sensitive stomach and those under medical treatment should proceed with caution.

People with a known sensitivity or allergy to garlic should avoid its consumption or topical use at all times.

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Louise Hammond

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My name is Louise Hammond, and I am the creator of this website, a place to find information about tubers, bulbs and medicinal roots. In Dreamsship.com I show the properties, benefits, characteristics, photos and images, ways of growing and how to make delicious meals from starchy vegetables.