Many of us consume garlic, a highly beneficial food, both raw and as an ingredient in various dishes such as salads, sauces, and soups. Let’s learn more about garlic by exploring the facts below.

1. Garlic is a natural antibiotic with medicinal properties.

2. The distinctive smell of garlic is due to the presence of sulfur compounds. Parsley or cinnamon can help eliminate garlic breath.

3. The cultivation of garlic began approximately 5,000 years ago.

4. Garlic was initially cultivated in India and was brought there by the Aryans.

5. Garlic was introduced to the lands of Rus from Byzantium by spice traders.

6. Consuming garlic boosts the immune system’s protective functions. If you frequently catch colds, adding garlic to your diet can be incredibly beneficial.

7. Active compounds in garlic help lower blood pressure.

8. The name “Chicago“ in the USA actually means “wild garlic“ in one of the Native American dialects.

9. Garlic is the oldest cultivated plant in the world, and its consumption dates back approximately six thousand years.

10. Garlic was frequently mentioned in manuscripts from the 17th and 18th centuries, indicating its wide usage. It was also commonly referenced as a medicinal herb in herbal books of that time.

11. Garlic is harmful to cats and dogs, so it should not be given to them as food.

12. In ancient India, garlic was used for medicinal purposes but was not consumed as food due to its strong odor.

13. The “Garlic“ restaurant in San Francisco serves approximately tons of garlic per month. The menu of this restaurant offers many exotic dishes, including garlic ice cream.

14. Botanically, garlic is related to the onion.

15. Garlic plants can grow up to 1.5 meters in height.

16. Both onions and garlic were found in the sarcophagi on the closed eyes and internal cavities of Egyptian mummies. Garlic may have had a ritual significance or was left there by workers.

17. Mentions of garlic in the Bible and the Quran attest to its significant value as a spice and medicinal plant in ancient civilizations.

18. Both garlic leaves and flowers are edible.

19. Ancient Romans referred to garlic as “the smelly rose“ or “the food of the poor.“

20. Garlic can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases.

21. Scientists discovered the antibiotic properties of garlic as early as the 19th century.

22. In ancient Egypt, several cloves of garlic were added to the daily food of slaves to enhance their physical activity. This vegetable culture was considered sacred in the country.

23. In ancient times, garlic wreaths were believed to ward off evil spirits, making them a common protective decoration in many homes.

24. Garlic helps detoxify the body from heavy metals.

25. Since 1998, the United States has held an annual Garlic Festival, with all proceeds going to support local children suffering from mental disorders.