April 19th is National Garlic Day

By Andy Niska | April 14, 2017 |

Senior Care in Cheney WA: April 19th is National Garlic Day

April 19th brings us National Garlic Day. The beginnings of this obscure observation are unknown, but it has prompted nationwide festivals in honor of this superfood whose relatives include onions, shallots, leeks and chives. Garlic originated in Asia over 7,000 years ago and has both culinary and medicinal uses.

The Benefits

Garlic should be an important part of you and your parent’s diet. It contains allicin, a sulphur compound that is responsible for its anti-bacterial properties. In addition, garlic has been shown to improve the flexibility of blood vessels, making it a potent adversary in the fight against atherosclerosis, hypertension, stroke, heart disease and other arterial conditions. Garlic also contains antioxidants that may reduce the risk of dementia and boost the immune system. According to the National Cancer Institute, studies have shown that garlic can also help to reduce the risk of developing several cancers including breast, pancreas, stomach and colon. .

146 volunteers were given either a garlic supplement or a placebo every day for 12-weeks. The group that received the actual garlic experienced far fewer colds and recovered faster than their fellow participants.

How to Use

Garlic can be taken as a supplement. It also makes a great addition to many dishes. Cooking garlic usually destroys its ability to make allicin—one of the chief components that make it worthy of being deemed a superfood. To maintain this benefit, allow chopped or crushed garlic to sit for 45 minutes before cooking, giving it the time needed to produce this important component.

To eat it raw and reap the greatest benefits, consider mixing finely chopped garlic into butter and spreading it onto toast. Dip into balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with a little parmesan cheese. Garlic is a great addition to all Mediterranean dishes, stir-fries, salads and as a rub on meat. Its versatility allows it to be used in just about any dish. It is best to add toward the end of cooking to preserve its nutrients.

Festivals

To celebrate the gift of garlic, consider getting friends and family together for a “garlic” potluck in which every dish must have this superfood as one of its ingredients. If in the neighborhood, consider visiting one of the many festivals. Gilroy is a town in California that is considered the “Garlic Capital of the World.”

Senior Care Provider

If you find your parent in need of assistance when preparing meals, consider obtaining the services of a senior care provider. These trained care providers can do the grocery shopping, prepare healthy meals, and then sit down and enjoy them with your parent, providing that all-important component of life—companionship.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home senior care in Cheney, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11697022

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/diet/garlic-fact-sheet

https://www.livestrong.com/article/340975-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-raw-garlic-vs-cooked-garlic/

Author
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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.