Garlic is an important ingredient in many cuisines. Many of the health claims attributed to garlic have not yet been confirmed by research, so the main health benefit may be that it adds a lot of flavor but very few calories.
Nutrition
One clove of garlic contains 5 calories, no fat, cholesterol or sugar and 2 percent of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C, according to the CDC website Fruits and Veggies Matter.
Cancer Prevention
"Preliminary studies suggest that garlic consumption may reduce the risk of developing several types of cancer, especially cancers of the gastrointestinal tract," according to the National Cancer Institute. However, more research is needed.
Cholesterol
Garlic may modestly reduce cholesterol, although more studies are needed, according to the website of the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Flavor
The strong flavor and odor of garlic come from its sulfur compounds, according to Fruits and Veggies Matter. Garlic's flavor becomes milder the longer it is cooked.
Fun Fact
People have been using garlic for healing and medicinal uses for thousands of years. Garlic has been used to treat hypertension, infections, snakebites and evil spirits, according to American Academy of Family Physicians.
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