In the Old World, Egyptian and Indian cultures referred to garlic
5000 years ago
and there is clear historical evidence for its use by the Babylonians 4500 years ago and by the Chinese 2000 years ago. Some writings suggest that garlic was grown in China as far back as 4000 years ago.
Where did garlic come from originally?
The native land of garlic is
Middle Asia
. [2] There are a range of beliefs as to the exact origin of garlic such as that it originates from West China, around Tien Shan Mountains to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The Egyptians were familiar with many medicinal, aromatic, spicy and poisonous plants.
Who invented garlic?
It is believed that garlic was first cultivated by
Sumerians
on the shores of the Mediterranean over 5,000 years ago. Other sources claim that it came from the eastern plains of the Caspian sea, from where it later spread to Asia.
When did garlic came to India?
Around 3000 BC
, trading parties from India reached Middle East, where they introduced garlic to the mighty Babylonian and Assyrian empires, who embraced this plant and spread it across neighboring civilizations.
How did garlic spread around the world?
As people traveled and traded garlic’s use and cultivation spread. Little is known about most of its first travels around Asia but it is documented that garlic was first brought to
Europe by the Crusaders
.
When did humans start eating garlic?
In the Old World, Egyptian and Indian cultures referred to garlic
5000 years ago
and there is clear historical evidence for its use by the Babylonians 4500 years ago and by the Chinese 2000 years ago. Some writings suggest that garlic was grown in China as far back as 4000 years ago.
What country is the largest producer of garlic?
Globally,
China
is by far the largest producer of garlic, producing over 75 percent of world tonnage (Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO)). The United States ranks fourth behind India and the Republic of Korea.
Why is it called a clove of garlic?
For starters, fresh garlic is normally sold in heads, which are bulb-like and covered in whiteish papery skin. Remove the outer papery layer, and you’ll see that
one bulb is made up of many individual lobes that are also covered in papery skin
. Each of these lobes is called a clove of garlic.
Where did onions and garlic originate?
The common onion (Allium cepa), leek, and garlic originated in
middle Asia
, with secondary centers of development and distribution in western Asia and the Mediterranean lands. The Welsh onion is believed to be of Chinese origin.
What is the importance of garlic?
Eating garlic provides many health benefits, including
improved immune function
. It can help prevent the common cold and the flu. Garlic is a nutrient-rich addition to any diet. Learn about its potential power to help prevent and treat disease, from heart disease to cancer.
What are the side effects of garlic?
Garlic has been used safely for up to 7 years. It can cause side effects such as
bad breath, heartburn, gas, and diarrhea
. These side effects are often worse with raw garlic. Garlic might also increase the risk of bleeding and cause allergic reactions in some people.
How many cloves garlic a day?
Dosages generally recommended in the literature for adults are
4 g (one to two cloves) of raw garlic
per day, one 300-mg dried garlic powder tablet (standardized to 1.3 percent alliin or 0.6 percent allicin yield) two to three times per day, or 7.2 g of aged garlic extract per day.
Why is garlic called Russian penicillin?
In 1916, the British government issued a general plea for the public to supply it with garlic in order to meet wartime needs. Garlic was called Russian penicillin during
World War II because, after running out of antibiotics, the Russian government turned to this ancient treatment for its soldiers
.
What does garlic do in the body of a woman?
Garlic is very beneficial for women as it is effective in curing several health problems. Many women do not like the smell of garlic, but it has so many benefits. Garlic
improves metabolism
, helps in weight loss, keeps the heart healthy, and also prevents cancer.
Why is raw garlic so hot?
Allicin
has been found to be the compound most responsible for the “hot” sensation of raw garlic. This chemical opens thermo-transient receptor potential channels that are responsible for the burning sense of heat in foods. The process of cooking garlic removes allicin, thus mellowing its spiciness.
What is the benefit of garlic to man?
Garlic is known
to enhance potency in men
. It contains vitamins and other nutrients in large amounts, which are vital for a healthy cardiovascular system. The allicin also makes sure that the sperm count in the male body remains healthy.
