April 19th, 2017, is National Garlic Day and you can bet we are excited to pay homage to this healing food item. The strong-smelling cloves, which flavor your meals and make your breath smell a tad stronger than usual, have a wide range of uses and medicinal properties.
The stinking rose, as it is known, is native to Asia and has been used in various European, African, and Asian dishes for over 6,000 years. Garlic is actually a major staple in the Mediterranean diet, which has been known to be one of the healthiest diets on the planet. Ancient Egyptians even fed garlic to the people building the Great Pyramid of Giza because of it was believed to boost stamina. In actuality, garlic boosts the immune system.
Fun Fact: If you eat a meal that has a lot of garlic, you can chew on some fresh parsley afterwards to freshen your breath. You should still do a smell check, but this should definitely help.
Garlic has long since been considered a powerful herbal remedy, which contains antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and vitamins A, B-1, and C.
Another Fun Fact: Despite garlic’s ability to stink up your breath, it has been considered an aphrodisiac. According to legend, Tibetan monks were forbidden to eat garlic, due to its ability to sexually arouse the person who ate it.
You can celebrate National Garlic Day any way you choose, but we recommend making some of the following recipes.
One More Fun Fact: Vampires are not real.
Baked Garlic Cilantro Fries
When you smell garlic fries, you need to have them. You can’t explain that desire, but the smell just captivates all your senses and forces your brain to get some pronto! Try this healthy take on garlic fries, which have an herbaceous kick from the cilantro.
Click here to make the recipe.
Garlic Hummus
Kick your regular hummus recipe up a notch with this garlicky hummus. With the addition of everyone’s favorite hot sauce, sriracha, it’s sure to spark your taste buds.
Click here to make the recipe.
Vegetarian Spring Roll Bowls With A Sweet Garlic Lime Sauce
Spring rolls are usually an easy go-to appetizer, but they can be hard to make at home. That’s why we’ve turned them into a delicious bowl that you can pack full with your favorite vegetables.
Click here to make the recipe.
