Japanese garlic - Dream sship

Widely used in recipes of Asian cuisine and highly valued in traditional medicine, Japanese garlic is a worthy representative of its family. Did you know that despite the name, this is not a Japanese garlic variety?

Keep reading below to find out what it is , what its characteristics are , what healthy properties are attributed to it and what contraindications we must take into account.

Index

How is Japanese garlic?

Contrary to what many might think, the popular Japanese garlic is not a specific garlic from Japan , but a variety of North American garlic. It is said that the origin of this name is linked to the first person who cultivated it, a Japanese farmer living in Washington state.

This variety has a very particular appearance. Here we list some of its main characteristics :

Large bulbs, being able to reach a size similar to that of elephant garlic.
Only 5-7 large teeth per bulb.
Yellow skin, almost tan.
Pleasant spicy flavor, not very strong.

Healthy properties and benefits: what is it for?

Japanese garlic is credited with practically the same health benefits as other varieties of garlic. It is a vegetable rich in essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin B6, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and organosulfur compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.

See later:

When it comes to medicinal power, there are no big differences between this garlic and ordinary garlic or regular garlic. In general, Japanese garlic exhibits properties :

Anticancerígenas
Antihypertensive
Antioxidants
Antimicrobial
Detoxifying
Antirheumatic
Immunostimulants
Circulatory
Slimming
Anticoagulants

Taking into account the main findings of science and alternative natural medicine ¹ ,Regular consumption of Japanese garlicis believed tobe good for:

1. Reduce the risk of developing cancer

Different studies and trials have reported that the bioactive compounds in Japanese garlic can help prevent and fight various types of cancer , such as breast, stomach, colon, bladder and skin cancer.² . They have been observed to have some ability to block the production of nitrosamines, a type of carcinogens widely studied worldwide³ ⁴.

2. Fight high blood pressure and protect heart health

One of the best known benefits of Japanese garlic is its power to regulate blood pressure levels, hence it helps fight hypertension ⁵ . Considering that high blood pressure is a significant risk factor for heart disease, consuming Japanese garlichelps reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure⁶ ⁷ . Another factor that contributes to this cardio-protective action is its ability to prevent clot formation, improve blood circulation, protect the health of blood vessels, and reduce plaque build-up in the arteries.

3. Strengthen the function of the immune system and prevent common infections

Thanks to its high content of nutrients, especially vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds (allicin), Japanese garlic can help you strengthen your immune system. In addition, it favors the elimination of a greater number of toxins and helps neutralize all types of germs , including fungi, viruses and bacteria. According to numerous testimonials, eating raw garlic on a regular basis and using it as an ingredient in home remedies helps prevent colds, flu, and yeast infections⁸ ⁹.

4. Protect the health and proper functioning of the urinary system

The properties of garlic also appear to be beneficial in preventing some bladder problems and treating urinary infections. It has been found that garlic extracts can help fight bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics¹⁰ ¹¹ . A popular home remedy to eliminate Escherichia coli bacteria from the urinary tract is to take 1-2 cloves of Japanese garlic combined with fresh lemon juice.

It may interest you: Garlic as an Antibiotic – Findings, Benefits, Advantages and Contraindications

5. Stimulate liver function

Different investigations have observed that, thanks to its antioxidant effect, the combination of compounds in garlic helps fight certain cases of liver damage . This includes alcoholic liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.¹² ¹³.

6. Promote a better appearance of the skin

The daily consumption of this garlic can also bring excellent benefits for the health of the skin. It not only serves to nourish, curb free radical damage and reduce blemishes , but also to fight the causes of acne from within¹⁴ . It is also a common ingredient in topical remedies and preparations for the treatment of other skin conditions, for example psoriasis, alopecia areata, fungal infections, scars, etc.

7. Reduce varicose veins (varicose veins)

Garlic is a bulb rich in flavonoids, antioxidant compounds that have been linked to a lower risk of varicose veins¹⁵ ¹⁶ . Drinking a Japanese garlic water infusionon an empty stomach is said tohelpreduce inflammation,stimulate blood circulation, prevent clots, and reduce the number of varicose veins.

8. Promote weight loss

There is some evidence that, when combined with a healthy lifestyle, garlic consumption may be helpful in promoting greater fat burning , stimulating metabolism , reducing cholesterol levels, and losing weight more efficiently¹⁷ ¹⁸.

9. Fight inflammation and relieve headaches

Some people claim that regular consumption of Japanese garlic helps them relieve headaches. It is believed that this effect is due to its anti-inflammatory and circulatory properties , which favors a better flow of oxygen and blood to that area. Likewise, it seems to be a good ally to relieve insomnia and fatigue.

Note : Consumption of raw garlic and onion appears to act as a migraine trigger in some people.¹⁹.

Fun fact: Japanese garlic is one of the most used varieties of garlic as a charm . In many cultures it is considered a form of natural protection. It is believed to bring good luck, harmony and peace.

How do you take Japanese garlic?

This garlic can be consumed exactly the same as regular garlic. Feel free to include it in most of your recipes , say in dressings for meats, creams, pasta, roasts, salads, sauces and soups.

Now, if your intention is to obtain its healthy benefits, there are other forms of consumption to consider . Scientific evidence suggests that the best way to take advantage of garlic’s healing properties is to consume it raw, preferably on an empty stomach .

See below: Take Garlic on an empty stomach – Beneficial for Health vs Not Recommended

Depending on your preferences, you can consider the following options:

Take 1 clove of Japanese garlic cut into slices.
Prepare an immune-stimulating syrup of garlic with honey .
Make different dressings using fresh Japanese garlic and lemon as a base.
Drink garlic tea on an empty stomach or garlic milk to lose weight, eliminate toxins, control blood glucose and regulate blood pressure.
Infuse finely chopped Japanese garlic in olive oil to spread on toast or drizzle on salads.

Like any other type of garlic , Japanese garlic must be pre-cut or crushed before use. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to trigger more allicin production.

Can it have side effects and contraindications?

Although regular consumption of garlic is safe for most people, it is known to cause adverse effects when eaten excessively , especially if it is raw. Japanese garlic is no exception in this regard; consuming a large amount can result in headaches , diarrhea , vomiting , burning and stomach irritation , allergic symptoms, blood pressure and glucose levels too low, increased risk of bleeding, drug interactions, among others.

Keep reading more about this topic at:

Are Japanese garlic and Chinese garlic the same?

No. Although some people use both terms to refer to the same thing, they are two different garlic . As mentioned at the beginning of this article, Japanese garlic is a variant of typical North American garlic, while Chinese garlic is a variety of common garlic, widely developed, cultivated and marketed by China.

What is the remedy known as Japanese garlic?

This remedy refers to a widely used medicinal preparation in Japan . It is a dietary supplement that is made using crushed garlic and egg yolk as a base. In this case, the egg not only serves to complement the healthy properties of garlic, but also to alleviate its possible side effects, including gastrointestinal discomfort, bad breath and body odor.²⁰ . It is often used as a therapy against pre-hypertension and high blood pressure.

Don’t Miss: The Healthy Properties of Black Garlic – What Makes It So Special?

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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.