Garlic has been around for quite some time now, and it’s no wonder why. It’s delicious, healthy, and has a ton of benefits. But did you know that it also comes in purple? Yep, that’s right – purple garlic is a real thing, and it’s even better than regular old one.
Here are 15 things to know about the amazing properties and benefits of purple garlic:
1. It Has Fewer Cloves Than Regular Garlic
Unlike regular garlic which can contain up to 20 cloves per head, the purple one typically has around five. This is not a big difference though, as we’ll find out later on, but if you do end up surprised finding only a few – just know that you didn’t stumble upon a bad head. That’s just how it is.
2. It Is Very Rich In Antioxidants
Garlic, in general, is known for being rich in antioxidants, but purple garlic takes it to the next level. These important nutrients scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells, leading to inflammation. The antioxidants in the purple one can help to reduce this inflammation, keeping you healthy and looking great.
3. It Is Richer In Allicin Than Regular Garlic
Allicin is the compound in garlic that is responsible for its characteristic smell and many of its health benefits. This powerful compound has been shown to boost the immune system, fight off infections, and even help to lower cholesterol levels, but more on that later.
4. It Is Very Low In Calories
For such a nutritious and strong-flavoured food, purple garlic is very low in calories. Just one clove’s worth of this potent veggie contains only four to five calories. This makes it a great addition to any weight loss or healthy eating plan. In other words, not only will your dish be absolutely delicious but it’ll also be very good if you’re trying to lose weight.
5. It Is More Pungent Than Regular Garlic
Because this lovely veggies contains more allicin than regular garlic, it is also more pungent. This may not be ideal for everyone (especially if you’re often around other people), but if you love the taste of it then you will definitely enjoy the extra kick it provides. If you find the taste to be too strong, however, you can always roast your cloves before using them to get some of that flavour out.
6. It Is An Excellent Source Of Vitamins And Minerals
Purple garlic is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, providing important nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, iron, and manganese. This makes it a great addition to any diet, as it can help to keep you super healthy and strong.
7. It Is Not As Hard To Find As You’d Think
Although it’s not as common as regular garlic, purple variation is actually not that difficult to find. You can often find it at your local health food store or even online at this website. If you have trouble tracking some down – don’t worry. Although not as great, the regular one will do just fine in any recipe that calls for purple garlic.
8. It Can Manage Cholesterol Levels
The allicin in purple garlic can help to manage cholesterol levels by reducing the amount of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and increasing the level of good cholesterol (HDL). This is great news for those who are at risk for heart disease, as managing cholesterol levels is one of the best ways to prevent this condition and other issues associated with it.
9. It Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
We’ve already mentioned this, but it’s worth repeating: purple garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is very rich in antioxidants, which aid in the removal of harmful toxins and by-products that can harm cells and cause inflammation. This can be very beneficial if you’re someone whose diet consists mainly carbs, since inflammation is often a major problem for carb-lovers.
10. It Boosts Your Immune System
The allicin in purple garlic can help to boost your immune system, making it easier for you to fight off infections and diseases. This is great news for those who are constantly getting sick. Weakened immune systems can be a real pain. But this great news should bring a little relief! No more scrambling to find the right foods or worrying about what you can’t eat. Just have a clove or two!
11. It Has Anti-Cancer Properties
Studies have shown that the allicin in purple garlic can help to prevent the growth of cancerous cells. This is amazing news, as cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the world. It’s important to remember, however, that this veggie is not a cure-all and should not be used in place of traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
12. It Can Regulate Blood Pressure
Keeping blood pressure in check these days is not easy. We’re stressed, we don’t sleep enough, and we eat all the wrong things. But purple garlic can help! The allicin in it can help to regulate blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels and reducing stress hormones, so try it out.
13. It Could Make Your Bones Healthier
Strong bones are more important than you think – especially if you’re getting old. Now, there haven’t been any conclusive studies on this, but one study has shown that a daily intake of about 2 grams of raw garlic can help with estrogen production, which can minimize bone loss during menopause or conditions like osteoarthritis.
14. It May Promote Healthy Digestion
While some people might struggle with eating garlic, purple or otherwise, it is worth noting that there have been examples where moderate daily intake of this pungent veggie has actually helped with digestive issues. This is most likely due to the fact that it can help increase the production of good bacteria in the gut, but no conclusive studies have confirmed this.
15. It Could Be An Aphrodisiac
This one is more for fun than anything else, but purple garlic is known to improve libido in men. It was shown that it positively impacts both fertility and blood flow, resulting in increased sexual drive, as well as potency.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! Fifteen amazing properties and benefits of purple garlic. As you can see, this little herb is packed with nutrients and health benefits that can help improve your life in a number of ways. Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, regulate blood pressure, or just enjoy some quality bedroom time – purple garlic has you covered.