The bulb of the plant Allium sativum is known as garlic.
Garlic is a concept that derives from alĭum , a Latin word. The term refers to a plant whose bulb is used as food. By extension, the parts (known as cloves ) into which said bulb is divided are called garlic.
For example: "I always add garlic and oregano to tomato sauce to give it more flavor," "You can tell that someone has been cooking around here: there is a lot of garlic smell," "Please don't add garlic to the puree because I don't like" .
Characteristics of garlic
The scientific name of the garlic plant is Allium sativum . Like onion , chives , green onions and leeks , garlic belongs to the Allium genus and the Liliaceae family .
Native to Asia , garlic has been cultivated for thousands of years. It can reach a height of 40 centimeters and has whitish flowers. As for its bulb , it has a characteristic smell and is made up of several cloves that form the so-called garlic heads .
Garlic is a very popular condiment in much of the world. In fact, there are recipes that are based on the use of garlic, such as garlic chicken , garlic soup and aioli .
Garlic cloves are used in various recipes.
Beneficial properties
It is important to mention that garlic is recognized for several properties that are beneficial to health . Its consumption contributes to cholesterol control, helps reduce blood pressure, minimizes the effects of arteriosclerosis and increases the amount of insulin.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that it is also recommended to take garlic for another series of advantages that it brings with it:
- It is believed to be a natural antibiotic .
- Various studies carried out indicate that its intake can help reduce the chances of suffering from cancer.
- It is also recommended to include garlic in your diet because it is a great food to improve blood circulation.
- Helps promote digestion.
- It is stated that it manages to favor and boost defenses.
black garlic
We cannot forget either that one of its best varieties is the so-called black garlic . This is obtained by placing traditional garlic, white, in a container with sea water to ferment.
It is also recommended to take it to prevent cancer and keep both cholesterol and blood pressure under control. You should also know that it is considered to be softer, more tender and less odorous than white garlic. In any case, regarding its supposed health benefits, it is always important to consult a medical professional if you want to influence your health or carry out a treatment.
Other considerations
To all of the above we have to add that garlic has played a fundamental role in literature because it is the product with which it is possible to repel one of the most terrifying fictional characters in history: the vampire .
Nor should we forget the existence of the expression "being in the loop" , which is used in some regions to indicate that someone is involved in a specific matter.
Garlic, finally, can be a suffix that is added to adjectives or nouns to turn them into diminutives or give them a contemptuous tone: "I'm not going to allow this little guy to give me orders."