Those who love garlic stay healthy and thin. Really, it’s true!
BY KAVITA DEVGAN
What’s not to love about garlic; it is our heart’s best friend, helps lower bad cholesterol, is a cancer slayer, and (this will probably interest you
the most) it is great for weight loss, too! How? Well, not only is it extremely low-calorie (3-4 cloves will give you only 13 calories), it works on multiple levels.
A great detoxifier, it helps rid the body of toxins. A detoxed body functions more efficiently, and is therefore naturally healthier and thinner. Additionally, it delivers great looking skin. It is a diuretic and helps get rid of excess, unwanted water from the body (read no more bloated
tummy) and associated symptoms like uneasiness, nausea and overweight. This makes it the perfect antidote to all the junk you willingly (or unwillingly) eat.
Garlic boosts metabolism by stimulating the nervous system to release adrenalin. It helps the body burn calories more efficiently and keeps you feeling buoyant. It helps control cravings by regulating blood sugar levels. This is a check against unnecessary munching. Importantly, this helps keep diabetes at bay. Garlic helps regulate appetite; it signals satiety to the brain when one has eaten and you are then less in-clined to eat. Research now also indicates that the anti-inflammatory properties of garlic may even aid in weight loss by helping regulate the number of fat cells that get formed in the body.
THERE’S MORE!
Garlic helps lower blood cholesterol and boost digestion. It also helps lower blood sugar, increase energy and boost the immune system. It is probably the easiest and most handy way to keep your body functioning at its efficient best.
The best news, of course, is that you need only 1-2 medium cloves every day to score the benefits. All it takes is getting used to its pungent smell and taste. Not such a tall order, I think (considering the benefits).
HERE’S ANOTHER TIP
To max the benefits, crush and let it sit for a couple of minutes before using. That’s because when raw garlic interacts with oxygen it forms allicin, the active ingredient that helps the most with your health.
ALSO REMEMBER
Generally, the stronger the taste, the higher the health benefits of garlic. So, don’t try to cheat. Go on, swallow a clove in the morning, slather some crushed garlic on your toast, add to salads, soups, stir-frys and curries.
Become a garlic lover from today!
GARLIC CHUTNEY
Sauté 30 gm garlic and 2 green chillies in mustard oil for a few minutes. Serve it as a quick pickle with Indian meals. Or with a layered parantha straight off the tawa for a yummy in-between meals snack.
THECHA
If you see green garlic (similar in appearance to spring onions) and are dying to use it, but don’t know how, here is the easiest way of using these beauties. Roughly chop the green garlic and pound it along with masala peanuts and green chillies with a mortar and pestle to a coarse texture. Quickly flash-fry the mixture in peanut oil. Enjoy it with a steaming hot plate of daal-rice.
GARLIC NAAN
So who doesn’t like a fluffy, buttered garlic naan? Here is how you can make it in your kitchen and yes, without a tandoor!
Ingredients:
All-purpose flour 250 gms. or 13/4 cups
Plain yogurt 1/2 cup
Milk 1/2 cup
Baking soda 1/2 tsp
Powdered sugar 1 tsp
Salt 1/2 tsp
Vegetable oil 2 tbsp
Toppings for Garlic Naan On Tawa:
Garlic 1 tbsp
Onion seeds 1/2 tbsp
Cilantro 1/2 tbsp
Mix together all-purpose flour, salt, sugar. Add oil and whisked curd, gradually add milk, knead into dough and place in a greased bowl. Cover for 2-3 hours or until it rises.
Divide the dough into six equal parts and, using a rolling pin, roll it out into oval-shaped naan. Sprinkle with garlic, onions seeds and cilantro and roll once to press toppings into the naan.
Apply water to the back of the naan and stick it to a hot tawa. When bubbles appear, flip the tawa to cook naan directly on flame.
Remove when brown and crispy and butter the top. Enjoy this garlicky, buttery heaven on a plate!
Kavita Devgan is a Delhi-based nutritionist, weight management consultant, health columnist and author of four bestsellers, Don’t Diet!
50 Habits of Thin People, Ultimate Grandmother Hacks, Fix It With Foods, The Don’t Diet Plan.
@kavitadevgan
