Although it may seem a bit strange, yes, the garlic tea It is consumed and can be very beneficial to our health. Garlic tea was consumed in the ancient Greece and it was used to strengthen the body, because as is well known, garlic is one of the Natural antibiotics It is excellent and has been traditionally used as a home remedy for respiratory infections and discomfort.
It surely seems exaggerated to have a garlic tea when garlic itself is a product with a very strong and intense flavor, however, the garlic is a good antioxidant And what better way to take it than in the form of tea to take advantage of its sulfur compounds in a gentler way, combining it with ginger, honey or lemon to improve the flavor and enhance its effects.
Garlic tea properties
There are other habits around garlic such as eating a clove of garlic on an empty stomach in the morning, but this time, we will show you how to prepare this less strong infusion and very rich in flavor. This tea will give you the following:
- An excellent cleanserIdeal for gradually losing weight as it helps to mobilize and dissolve the excess fat of our body, collaborating with a balanced diet.
- It speeds up our metabolism Thanks to its mild thermogenic effect: it slightly increases body temperature and facilitates fat burningThis makes it a good support in cases of overweight or obesity when combined with exercise and good nutrition.
- It favors the blood circulationIt reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, can help lower triglycerides, dilates blood vessels, and prevents arteriosclerosis, contributing to the cardiovascular disease prevention.
- Drinking a glass of garlic tea will supplement your body with vitamins A, B1, B2 and Cas well as minerals such as phosphorus, potassium and small amounts of selenium, which participate in the proper functioning of the nervous and immune systems.
- Reduce the signs of premature aging Thanks to its antioxidant capacity: allicin and other sulfur compounds help neutralize free radicals that damage skin and organ cells.
- You will be less prone to catching colds because it strengthens the immune systemThe combination of vitamin C, flavonoids, and sulfur compounds helps fight viruses, bacteria, and fungi, which can shorten the duration of flu and colds.
- Act like natural expectorantbecause it thins the mucus and facilitates its elimination, helping to relieve coughs and clear the airways when there is congestion.
- can help control blood pressure mild or moderately elevated, thanks to its vasodilatory effect and the improvement of blood flow, always as a complement and never as a substitute for medical treatment.
- Contributes to blood sugar control In people with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes, because some of its compounds can improve the body's use of insulin, always within a plan supervised by health professionals.
- It favors the wound healing When used topically (for example, by soaking a gauze in cooled garlic tea), it has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antimicrobial properties that support tissue regeneration.
A large part of these benefits are attributed to the allicinGarlic is a sulfur compound that forms when garlic is crushed or chopped and acts as a potent antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulator. To get the most out of this substance, it is important to... crush or grind the garlic and let it rest for a few minutes before adding it to the hot water so that the alliinase enzyme can transform it properly.
Make the garlic tea
It is a very simple drink to make, to carry it out you need:
INGREDIENTS:
- A glass of water (200 ml).
- One garlic clove.
- A bit of grated ginger (3 g), which provides compounds such as gingerol with anti-inflammatory action.
- A tablespoon of lemon juice (15 ml), rich in vitamin C and organic acids that enhance protection against infections.
- A tablespoon of honey (25 g), which soothes the throat and adds antibacterial and expectorant properties.
Boil the glass of waterWhile it's heating up, chop the garlic clove into small pieces, crush it, or mince it. This will help it release all its nutrients more easily and activate its sulfur compounds.
Once it comes to a boil, add the ginger and minced garlic and let it cook for 15 minutes. After this time, leave it steep for 10 minutes with the pot covered so that the active ingredients concentrate in the infusion.
Once it has rested, add the teaspoon of lemon and honeyStir well to combine and taste it; if the flavor is still too strong, you can add a little more hot water or a little more honey, always in moderation.
If you wish, you can also prepare a simpler version of this drink using only garlic and wateror you can combine it simply with lemon or honey, according to your preference. The important thing to take advantage of its medicinal properties is that the garlic is fresh and crushed before coming into contact with hot water.
How and when to take garlic tea
This infusion is ideal to take by the fasting morningsThis way, its compounds are better absorbed, achieving effects similar to consuming a raw clove of garlic, but with a milder flavor. A second cup can also be taken in the afternoon or evening if a greater effect on the immune system or digestion is desired, provided it doesn't upset the stomach.
Combined with ginger and lemon, it's great for fill ourselves with energyto relieve congestion, soothe coughs, and help cleanse our bodyDuring flu season, cold season, or when we feel our defenses are low, it can be part of a care routine along with good hydration, rest, and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
It's a simple, healing, purifying recipe, full of vitamins and mineralsInterestingly, Greek warriors consumed this drink after battle to recover and heal their wounds, and it is still used in many homes today as a remedy. natural remedy for flu.
Contraindications and side effects of garlic tea
Despite its many benefits, garlic tea is not suitable for everyone. Consuming it in excess or without medical supervision can cause [adverse effects]. digestive discomfort such as bad breath, body odor, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, or abdominal bloating, especially in people with sensitive stomachs.
Its consumption is not recommended in children under 2 yearsNor should it be consumed by people with gastritis, ulcers, low blood pressure, or bleeding problems, as garlic can irritate the gastric mucosa and enhance the blood's natural anticoagulant effect.
In the case of pregnant or lactating womenGarlic tea should be used under the guidance of a doctor, because excessive use could alter the menstrual cycle, have an abortive effect, or modify the smell and taste of breast milk.
People who drink high blood pressure medications o anticoagulants You should always consult your doctor before adding garlic tea to your routine to avoid interactions or an increased risk of bleeding. If the infusion includes honey or propolis, it is also not recommended for people allergic to honey, propolis, or pollen.
As with any natural remedy, garlic tea should be understood as a complement It should be considered part of a healthy lifestyle and never as a substitute for prescribed medical treatments. Consumed in moderation, properly prepared, and taking into account its contraindications, it can become a regular beverage for easily and affordably supporting heart health, immune function, and digestion.