health benefits – The Bone Broth Cook

Benefits of Garlic

It has an odor from your breath but smells great coming from your food. We are talking about garlic. Besides being a welcome addition to steaks and stews, it is also a fighter for health in your body. Here are some of the benefits of using garlic. Some Facts about Garlic Garlic is a widely used spice that has had a place in medicine and gastronomy for centuries. Like many herbs and spices, it got its start not at the dinner table but as an instrument of healing. Garlic is related to onions and shallots. They come from the same family. All you have to do is see it to know this. It is native to Asia. During wars, garlic was used on wounds as a healing agent. This is due to its antibacterial agents, to help fight infection. On food, the savory smell released can bring people running from miles around. It is a welcome addition to stews, soups and as a flavoring for steaks and roasts. Just slide a few slivers of garlic into cuts in the meat to infuse it with flavor as it cooks. In Asia, the leaves of the garlic plant are also cleaned and sautéed with vegetables and meats in main dishes. Health Benefits of Garlic If you already eat garlic – good. You might be reaping the health benefits without even knowing it. Just like other spices, you get benefits using dried varieties but fresh is better whenever you can get it. Garlic contains a compound called allicin. Onions have it too. It is known to help lower blood pressure. Increased blood pressure, combined with other negative health symptoms can lead to a chance of stroke or heart attack. Eating it regularly can help reduce your risk of heart disease. We mentioned earlier about garlic being used for wounded soldiers. It has been shown to help stop the spread of infection, bacterial and fungal. Eating a clove of raw garlic can help ease intestinal disorders when caused by infection as well as fungal ones such as yeast. This helps to regulate the bacteria of the intestinal tract without stripping it of the good bacteria needed for your health. You may have seen garlic pill supplements in your health food store or pharmacy. They are used to help lower cholesterol. A more cost effective way to lower your bad cholesterol is to eat raw garlic regularly. Adding it to your diet will help get your cholesterol numbers under control. Heard of feeding a cold? Use garlic. Eating garlic can help reduce your likelihood of getting a cold or the flu. If you already have a cold, it can reduce your symptoms and help you recover faster. Garlic tastes good and it can help you fight infection and poor health.

Benefits of Oregano

Many think of it as the Italian spice. But, even if you are not Italian, you can use oregano and gain the benefit of its flavor and its health benefits. Buon Appetito! Facts about Oregano Oregano is one of the most popular spices in the world. It is a Mediterranean herb that comes from the mint family. Best of all, you can grow it yourself in a small pot on your kitchen windowsill. It is a flowering herb, with small white or pink flowers on it. What you want to eat is the leaves, which are small and oval shaped. It is mainly used in cooking in Mediterranean countries but you can enjoy it anywhere. As with all herbs, fresh is better. Only nip off the leaves that you need for your recipes or medicinal purposes. The taste is slightly bitter but is welcomed when combined with other Mediterranean spices in your dishes. Health Benefits of Oregano As you grow your oregano in your herb garden or stir it in your spaghetti sauce, think about the health benefits that you are also gaining beyond great flavor for your food. It is thought of as being a functional food because it can be used in a lot of ways to flavor all types of food groups. Oregano does not contain cholesterol. This is good for any food since we get way too much of it from the wrong sources anyway. And, it is a source of fiber. Most people have problems getting the recommended daily dose of fiber anyway, so a little oregano can go a long way. The digestive tract is benefited from eating oregano. This herb gets things moving in your intestines and also increases secretions that break down foods and move them along towards elimination or absorption. If you need more vitamins then eat oregano. It contains antioxidants which the body needs to fight off the harmful effects of free radicals, the by-products of cellular metabolism. Vitamin C is also found in this herb which helps to boost the immune system and fight inflammation. Besides vitamin C, you can also find: vitamin A, manganese, calcium, potassium, lutein, carotene, iron and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals help regulate blood pressure, heart rate, cell function, enzyme activity and proper bone growth. If you have any physical problems, oregano leaves can be used for that as well. Have you ever heard of oils like limonene or thymol? These and others are found in the leaves and flower stems of oregano plants. They have antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Concentrated oregano essential oils are used to help relieve menstrual cramps, stomach pains, and fevers. Buy an oregano plant today and bring health into your home.