Garlic powder is a highly versatile and powerful ingredient that can be added to any type of recipe. It has the same great flavor profile as fresh garlic, combined with several health benefits.
What is Garlic Powder?
Grounded dehydrated garlic is becoming a favorite spice around the world. Simply place in salt and water, let sit for a few hours, and voila – you have powder that goes great in savory dishes like soups, stews, pizzas, salad dressings, and sauces such as barbecue sauce. What’s more? When done right this recipe can deliver all the health benefits of fresh garlic put into powder form with none of the bad notes of shiopping or roasting without burning it.
Garlic Powder Nutrition Facts
People turn to garlic powder as a great source of health benefits, including antioxidant activity and the allicin compounds that provide health benefits.
Garlic powder is often listed as having many nutrients like vitamin B6, iron, and calcium that are not present in fresh garlic cloves.
Garlic Powder Health Benefits
Garlic is a potent and flavorful spice. It has been prized for its health benefits for thousands of years. These benefits are incredibly important and include regulating high blood pressure, lowering overall cholesterol levels, improving the immune system, reducing the risk of certain cancers, and aiding in digestion.
Regulates Blood Pressure
Garlic was shown to have positive properties in reducing blood pressure in people with hypertension, according to a meta-analysis by Ried et al. (2008).
Balances Cholesterol Levels
Garlic is a widely used ingredient in Indian cooking. In an extensive review published in the International Journal of Cardiology, research found that garlic supplements can reverse bad cholesterol levels and increase good cholesterol levels. They also fight plaque buildup in arteries and lower blood pressure, thus reducing your risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Anticancer Potential
Garlic extract has been shown to help reduce the risk of cancer with minimal side effects. Garlic powder’s bioactive compounds have also been shown to fight oxidative stress, inflammation, and prevent cellular mutation, all of which can lead to different types of cancers.
Boosts Immune System
Garlic is a powerful immune boosting food that offers you whole-body protection, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. [11]
Aids in Digestion
Garlic powder is made from organic compounds, iron, and dietary fiber. Consuming garlic will create a healthy digestional system by moving the bowels smoothly and relieving stomach problems such as indigestion, constipation or any stomach disorder.
How to make Garlic Powder?
Making garlic powder at home is very simple. All you need to do is use fresh garlic and add salt. However, some people also add varying amounts of other ingredients such as onion, citric acid, or multivitamins like B vitamins.
Making garlic powder at home is a simple process. All you need to make garlic is the vegetable itself and one other component, salt. However, many people like to add sugar or flour to it, which is then called garlic salt.
Side Effects of Garlic Powder
There are some side effects that you might experience if you consume too much of this herb: [16]Bleeding Disorders: If you consume more than an average amount of garlic, bleeding problems have been known to worsen.
Bad Breath: It’s been reported to help eliminate oral infections, although it can also lead to bad breath and have a powerful smell.
Muscle Ache: It could cause muscle spasms or aches if used in excess or if you suffer from a mild allergy. Stomach Issues: Stomach aches, cramping, and bloating can happen when too much of this spice is ingested.
Dizziness and Headache: People who use too much of this herb report symptoms such as headaches and dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and lightheadedness.
There are some common side effects of consuming too much of this powder, which include:
- Bleeding Disorders: For people who consume an excessive amount of garlic powder, bleeding problems have been known to worsen, so always use this spice with caution.
- Bad Breath: As with any garlic product, this powder has a powerful smell that may cause unpleasant breath. Muscle Ache: When too much of this herb is ingested, or if you suffer from a mild allergy, it could cause muscle spasms or aches.
- Stomach Issues: Stomach aches, cramping, and bloating can happen if you eat too much of this powder and don’t want to experience unpleasant side effects.