6 Ways to Include Garlic in Your Diet If You Have High Cholesterol or Diabetes

Discover the health-boosting wonders of garlic and learn how to seamlessly integrate this potent ingredient into your daily meals.

Renowned for its diverse benefits, including promoting heart health, managing diabetes, and reducing triglyceride levels, garlic has been a staple in traditional remedies for centuries. If the pungent aroma of raw garlic isn't your cup of tea, fear not! We've compiled delightful and straightforward ways to make garlic a flavourful and healthful part of your daily diet.

1. Raw Garlic on an Empty Stomach

Start your day by consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach to harness its cholesterol-lowering and blood-thinning properties. Eat a few cloves of raw garlic with water in the morning. Since allicin, the compound responsible for these benefits is diluted when cooked, raw consumption is ideal. Concerned about garlic breath? Pair it with lemon, apple cider vinegar, or hot water to manage the aftermath.

2. Roasted Garlic

Experience a mellow and slightly sweet garlic flavour by roasting it. Cut the top off a garlic bulb, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in the oven. Once cooled, squeeze out the soft, golden cloves and spread on bread or mix into dips. Roasted garlic not only enhances your dishes but also retains its health benefits.

3. Garlic and Honey

Combine garlic with honey for an effective and palatable daily routine. Chop a garlic clove, add a few drops of honey, let it sit, and then chew and swallow. Alternatively, create a mixture of 10 sliced garlic cloves and 5 tablespoons of honey. Consume a spoonful on an empty stomach to alleviate acid reflux symptoms.

4. Use Garlic in Everyday Cooking

Easily incorporate garlic into daily meals by adding it to a variety of dishes like vegetables, curries, dals, soups, and stir-fries. Sauté finely minced or crushed garlic in oil before adding other ingredients to infuse your dishes with its aromatic flavour. To preserve allicin potency, add raw garlic just before serving cooked meals.

5. Garlic Tea

For a milder flavour, opt for garlic tea. Crush a garlic clove, add it to a cup of water, and boil for a few minutes. Introduce 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon, let it steep, and finish with a teaspoon of honey and half a teaspoon of lemon juice. This immune-boosting garlic tea not only supports health but also tantalizes your taste buds.

6. Garlic Oil

Enjoy the benefits of garlic conveniently with garlic-infused oil. Peel and crush garlic cloves, combine with high-quality cooking oil, and heat over low heat. After cooling, strain the oil to remove garlic pieces, and store in the refrigerator. Use this aromatic garlic oil in cooking, salad dressings, or as a drizzle over roasted vegetables or bread.

By seamlessly integrating garlic into your daily meals, you not only unlock its remarkable health advantages but also savour the rich flavours it imparts to your dishes. Whether raw, roasted, or infused into oil, garlic offers a multitude of delicious possibilities to elevate your culinary creations while supporting your well-being.