Prepare for Flu Season in the Produce Aisle...
- Donna Keeler
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
Consume a bit of Garlic every day. Garlic is a natural immune booster as it contains powerful sulfur-containing compounds called allicin that help strengthen the immune system and support overall well-being. When garlic is chopped, crushed, or chewed, allicin is released and begins working as a natural antimicrobial. This means garlic can help the body fight off bacteria, viruses, candida, and even fungi.
Research has shown that regular garlic consumption may reduce the frequency and severity of colds and flu. While it isn’t a “cure,” garlic works as an effective natural support for immune defense.
Here are some practical ways to add garlic to your everyday meals:
Raw Boost: Add freshly chopped garlic to homemade salad dressings, salsas, or dips.
Roasted Garlic: Roast a whole bulb until soft and spread it on sourdough bread or mix into mashed potatoes or cauliflower. Roasting mellows the flavor and makes it creamy.
In Soups and Stews: Simmer chopped garlic in broths, vegetable soups, or lentil or bean stews.
Sauteed Vegetables: Add minced garlic to olive, avocado or sesame seed oil before tossing in vegetables for a simple, flavorful side dish.
Herbal Tea: Some people brew fresh garlic with ginger, lemon, and honey for a warming immune-supporting tea.
Smoothies: Add a small clove to your green drink or smoothie to enjoy as a meal or snack.
NOTE: To get the most benefit, chop or crush fresh garlic and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before cooking. This allows the allinase enzyme to work, producing the maximum amount of allicin. Also, if you add garlic toward the end of cooking, it helps preserve more benefits as well. Cooking garlic at high heat for too long destroys the allicin.
Not everyone enjoys cooking with garlic or likes the taste. Garlic capsules (or softgels) are a convenient way to get the benefits without the strong taste or odor. Look for a supplement that does not contain fillers or additives and the capsule is enteric-coated as these survive stomach acid and deliver active compounds to the intestines, reducing odor and improving absorption.
Adding a bit of garlic daily is a simple step toward stronger immunity and overall health. When you are ready to learn more about nutrition to support your health – based on your blood work, current symptoms or diagnosis – book online or contact me to schedule an appointment.
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