Introduction
Garlic is a beloved kitchen staple known for its robust flavor and numerous health benefits. However, there’s a common mistake that many people make when using garlic that can significantly diminish its potential benefits. Let’s explore the right way to use garlic to maximize its health-boosting properties.
The Common Mistake
The mistake that 95% of people make is cooking garlic immediately after chopping or crushing it. While this might seem harmless, it actually prevents garlic from reaching its full potential.
Why This Matters
Garlic contains a compound called alliin. When garlic is chopped or crushed, alliin is converted into allicin, a powerful compound responsible for many of garlic’s health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. However, allicin needs time to form. Cooking garlic right away can destroy the enzyme needed for this conversion, significantly reducing its health benefits.