What doesn't kill your love life will only make you stronger. Garlic may cloud your breath, but it also kills bacteria, fungi, and viruses on food and in your body by inhibiting particular enzymes in germs. While many spices have the same purifying power, garlic rules the germicide realm, beating out 29 other competitors in one study. It owes its antibacterial effects to allicin, a chemical compound that's released when cloves are chopped or crushed and gives the root its famous kick. The ability of garlic and other spices to kill off grimy intruders might explain their popularity in hot climates. Over time, tropical cultures probably found that spicy foods were less likely to make them sick. Feeling ill on vacation? Order the local favorite.
The Ancient Cure-All
New data on an old remedy
Target: Lipids
Effect: Lowers cholesterol in the short term
Target: Hypertension
Effect: Reduces blood pressure
Target: Blood clots
Effect: Decreases the chance of platelets clumping
Target: Stomach and colon cancer
Effect: Slows the growth of tumor cells
Roasted Garlic Hummus
- 6 Servings
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 head garlic
- 15 oz. chickpeas, drained
- 2 tbsp. lemon juice
- ¼ cup tahini
- ½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. ground pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- parsley and paprika to taste
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut off top of garlic head so cloves are exposed. Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap in tinfoil and bake for 45 minutes or until cloves are soft. Let cool and squeeze out garlic cloves. Discard skins. Add all ingredients to food processor and process until smooth. Add water or olive oil for desired consistency. Scoop into a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle paprika and parsley on top to garnish. Serve at room temperature with pita bread and fresh vegetables.
Tags:
antibacterial effects,
blood clots,
cancer effect,
chemical compound,
chickpeas,
climates,
cloves,
colon cancer,
fungi,
garlic hummus,
head garlic,
intruders,
lipids,
love life,
prep time,
spicy foods,
tbsp lemon juice,
term target,
tumor cells
