Garlic has been in use as food and medicine for 1000's of years. Its close relatives include oinion, leek and chive. Its mainly used for medicinal and culinary purposes. Garlic has a very pungent and spicy flavour.

Dry garlic is heavily used in Indian cooking especially in curry and karahi dishes. It mellows considerably with cooking. In recent years there has been an increase in the use of Garlic for medicinal purpose. It is an essential part of Indian recipes. Garlic is most often used as a seasoning or a condiment, and is believed by many to have some medicinal value. It also contains alliin, ajoene, enzymes, vitamin B, minerals, and flavonoids. It is commonly referred to as Lasan. Some popular indian recipes for garlic include:

Garlic Mushrooms
Garlic Chicken
Garlic Naan
Jeera Chicken
Chilli Paneer
Garlic Mogo

Health benefits of Garlic:

There are numerous health benefits of Garlice. The therapeutic qualities of garlic are not new. Sanskrit records reveal that garlic remedies were in use 5,000 years ago in India. Garlice supplements in the form of Garlic capsules and Garlic tablets are very commong. They have the advantage over raw garlic as they do not give bad breath. But if you have the option then fresh raw garlic is the best. Some well known medicinal benefits of Garlic:

• Always consult your doctor regarding any health or medical matter as Garlic is not a substitute for medication.
• Helps to lower cholestrol.
• Cooked prepared garlic is less powerful but can still benefit cardiovascular system.
• Garlic should be seen a part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
• Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic.
• Eating too much Raw garlic could create problems for the digestive tract.
• Garlic supplements can be in the form of garlic tablets, garlic capsules and garlic pills.
• Garlic can thin the blood similar to the effect of aspirin.
• Drinking lemon juice or eating a few slices of lemon will stop bad garlic breath.

Please note: Information on this page is provided on a "best efforts" basis for interest only and does not constitute personal advice. Always discuss medical matters with your doctor.