If you experience flu or frequent colds, this ginger-garlic soup will destroy all the viruses in your body. It is that time of the year when illnesses lure, so we all search for something to alleviate our symptoms. You have probably heard of the numerous benefits that garlic offers. Moreover, it is a known virus destroyer and its power comes from the natural chemical it contains, called Allicin. According to a recently published study, conducted at the Washington State University, garlic is one hundred times more potent than two of the most popular antibiotics at fighting bacteria which cause food-borne diseases. When the garlic is crushed, the Allinin turns into Allicin. Several studies have confirmed that Allicin stabilizes the cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and prevents blood clotting. Furthermore, garlic can decrease the chances for atherosclerosis. The other substances which garlic contains destroy numerous microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria that lead to cold, flu, and ear aches. What’s more, the scientific research also proved that this vegetable is highly helpful in digestive problems and diarrhea. Hence, this vegetable can also keep your body safe from different cancer types.
According to Helen Bond, an expert dietitian and representative of the BDA, scientists have been familiar with the antifungal and antibacterial properties of Allicin for a very long period of time. Nowadays, people believe that garlic can better the function of the immune system. In fact, a lot of people eat mashed garlic and olive oil spread on a slice of bread. However, scientists are not entirely sure how exactly garlic functions. A lot of scientists consider that garlic does not possess any exceptional properties that can help people fight off flu and colds. A year ago, the Cochrane Database, an international research organization, conducted a research according to which, including more garlic in your diet during winter, can help you reduce the duration of the symptoms by one day. Unfortunately, the scientists said that it was not possible to arrive to a clear conclusion about garlic, since a larger investigation and more participants are needed for such purpose. The main problem is that none of the major pharmaceutical companies are interested in conducting trials on a large scale because they cannot sell garlic as a patented product and thus make profit.
RECIPE
4 servings:
Needed:
- Two tablespoons of olive oil
- 26 unpeeled cloves of garlic
- Half a teaspoon of cayenne powder
- Two tablespoons of organic butter
- 2 ¼ cups of onions (sliced)
- Half a cup of fresh ginger
- 26 peeled cloves of garlic
- 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh thyme (chopped)
- 3 ½ cups of organic veggie broth
- Half a cup of coconut milk
- Four lemon wedges
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F. Then, put 26 garlic cloves in a clean glass baking dish, pour two tbsp of raw olive oil, and a little bit of sea salt on top. Put a baking foil on the top of the dish and bake the ingredients until the garlic becomes brownish and soft (around 45 minutes). Afterwards, leave the dish to cool off and then squeeze the garlic with your fingers in order to release the cloves. Put them in a small bowl.
Put butter in a saucepan and wait for it to melt on medium heat. Then, put the thyme, onions, cayenne powder, and the ginger, and continue cooking the ingredients for 6 minutes. Add the roasted garlic cloves and cook for additional 3 minutes. After this, put the vegetable broth, cover the saucepan and simmer well. You need around 20 minutes until the garlic becomes soft. Transfer the mixture into a blender for a smoother texture and then bring the soup back to the saucepan, and add a little bit of coconut milk. Simmer the mixture until it heats and use sea salt and pepper for flavor. Squeeze one lemon wedge into the two bowls. The soup is now ready! J
You can prepare this soup one day before you consume it. You just need to cover it good and store it in the fridge. Heat it before consuming.
Garlic has been used as a remedy for centuries. In fact, Ancient Egyptians used it for more than 20 health problems. Additionally, according to a document from 3500 years ago, people who worked on the pyramids construction ate garlic so they could be strong and healthy. Also, Ancient Greeks used it for infections, blood and lung problems, bug bites, and leprosy. What’s more, Roman soldiers and sailors consumed garlic in order to better their immunity. Nowadays, science confirms the benefits of consuming garlic. For example, according to a research, garlic boosts the antioxidants in our bodies. Louis Pasteur, the famous French chemist and microbiologist confirmed that bacteria die off when exposed to garlic effects. People in the middle Ages used garlic for wounds and infections. In Russia, garlic is known as Russian penicillin. Another important aspect of garlic is its potential for keeping us fit and healthy. Hence, regular consumption of garlic can increase the T-cells in the blood which are crucial for our immune system. Pharmacologists from the California University found that Allicin is capable of eliminating infections, dilating blood vessels, boosting the circulation, and preventing cardiovascular problems such as high cholesterol levels. Another study conducted in Australia with 80 patients showed that people who include garlic on a regular basis have a more stable blood pressure. 8 years ago, Brazilian dentists concluded that gargling with garlic-based water eliminates the bacteria leading to gum diseases and tooth decay.
Garlic is not only beneficial for people, but also for crops since it has the ability to eliminate snails and slugs. Moreover, experts from the University of Newcastle say that garlic contains specific oils that affect the snails’ nervous system. Researchers from the South Carolina Medical University stated that peeling garlic and leaving it like that for 15 minutes secretes Allicin and can help you fight off numerous diseases.
This soup is both healthy and tasty, and nutritionists advise its daily consumption so that you are protected from flu and colds during winter period.
Do not get skeptical from the strong scent! You will love the soup once you try it.
Source: Prevent Disease