Garlic can be spicy and smelly but it is one of my favourite ingredients for cooking. It’s a natural flavour enhancer, anti-inflammatory and a powerful anti-cancer food. There are so many benefits that I can’t mention all of them in this posting. I mean, It’s that good! When my friends ask me how they can improve their overall health and increase energy levels, I simply suggest adding more garlic into their diet (preferably raw).
One thing I really want to emphasize about garlic is that it must be organic.
Why Organic garlic?
When was the last time you checked where your vegetables and fruits came from?
80% of garlic we consume in the world is from China. They are the garlic capital of the world due to cheaper mass production and easy exporting/importing process. They're heavily contaminated with chemicals, bleach and pesticides. There are tons of articles and reports about it online but how come a lot of people don't talk about it? Because garlic from China is not something grocery markets proudly advertise.
Neurotoxic
Garlic from China is bleached with a chemical called Methyl Bromide to stop it from sprouting and kill insects. This chemical is found 60 times more in Chinese grown garlic compared to garlic sourced from other countries. Prolonged exposure to Methyl Bromide causes damage to the respiratory and nervous systems.
Unknown Chemicals
It's also covered with Chlorine and fumigated with pesticides. They are grown with sewage water, contaminated with heavy metals like lead as well as other unsafe compounds.
Over storage
Lastly, China doesn't have strict regulations with how they grow and store the garlic. Over storage forces Chinese Farmers to spray more chemicals and store in cold temperatures to prevent spoilage. This process reduces allicine levels in the garlic decline which is their main health component.
Organic locally grown garlic
-Has some of the roots left on the bottom
-Heavier and fermer
-Rich in flavour
Chinese Garlic
-No roots
-Feels lighter, less bundle
-Less flavorful
My experience
I remember Chinese garlic tasting very bland. I was not satisfied. When cooking recipes, I would end up using double or triple the amount than the recommended portions. I didn't feel any of the benefits from garlic I was supposed to receive. I thought it was me, but I realized it was the garlic. I miss the strong garlic taste I know from my mom's cooking. She used non-Chinese garlic, fresh from her mom's backyard garden. Organic garlic was a game changer for me. They are very bold and flavourful. I can feel all the benefits from garlic, without having to over-consume. A quick and easy organic garlic drink helped me with increasing energy levels. It's basically a few minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and water.
In conclusion
Organic garlic is a must buy item. If you can buy only one organic produce, it should be garlic. It's a proven superfood that has numerous benefits for your health and well being. I will share many more garlic recipes, for cooking and daily detoxes in future postings.
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