The old garlic bulbs, which have bright green shoots sprouting from their cloves are usually thrown away. This is so because we think that they are past their time. However, this is completely wrong. The sprouted garlic is packed with antioxidants, such as allicin, alliin, and allyl disulfide. Moreover, the sprouted garlic has far more benefits than the unsprouted ones.
Health Benefits of Sprouted Garlic
Helps in Cancer Prevention
Garlic is rich in vitamins, minerals, and it can hinder the generation of free radicals responsible for cancer. The sprouting promotes the production of phytochemicals, which can prevent the development of malignant cells and hinder the activity of carcinogens. Moreover, it is packed with antioxidant properties, which additionally help in the prevention of cancer.
Aids with Food Poisoning
The antioxidants in sprouted garlic will prevent many fungal and viral diseases. Furthermore, it can soothe symptoms of cramping and diarrhea and can help with food poisoning.
Protects the Heart
The phytochemicals don’t only block the activity of carcinogens, but they also boost enzyme activity, which can lead to plaque formation. Over time, this may cause heart disease and heart attacks. Therefore, sprouted garlic is a great way to prevent such life-threatening diseases.
Prevents Strokes
Garlic is packed with anjoene, which prevents the formation of blood clots and widen the arteries. Moreover, the phytochemicals in sprouted garlic enhance these properties, which block the activity of blood clots forming chemicals. Hence, this will prevent strokes from happening.
Strengthens the Immune System
The sprouted garlic will provide the needed antioxidants and boost your immune system. This will provide protection from colds and infections.
Prevents Premature Aging
Again the antioxidants are important for preventing premature aging and wrinkles by scavenging free radicals in our body.
How to sprout garlic?
This is a quite easy thing to do. All you have to so is leaving the garlic in the open. However, if you want to sprout it at home without drying it, you should take a pod of garlic and poke it in two toothpicks on either side of it. Do not peel the garlic. Then, fill a small and narrow glass cup with water, and place the garlic pod on the rim of the glass. The narrow part should be partly submerged in the water. Place the glass on the window sill and let it stay for 5 days. After that time period, the garlic will sprout and you can consume it.