Garlic honey is amongst the easy, yet very strong, home remedies used ever since the ancient days of traditional medicinal practices. The combination of the antiseptic properties of garlic with the antioxidant-rich profile of honey makes this a strong immunity booster . As we set foot in the winter season, there is a demand for immunity-boosting foods. Because the chillier atmosphere brings with it the inevitability of catching a cold, flu, and other infections. Many nutrient-dense foods including citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and leafy greens, build the immune system and help the body fight pathogens; all these nutrients and antioxidants and anti-inflammatory-rich foods can boost your overall health and keep your body fit enough to fight off seasonal illnesses. In this article, we’ll talk about garlic and honey, as they both make a good combination to fight immunity. Here’s all you need to know about it.
The science behind garlic and honey for immunity
The compound allicin exists in garlic, which is activated upon crushing or chopping the vegetable. Allicin has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal effects. According to a report published in the Journal of Immunology Research, allicin enhances the body's immune response in its capability to fight against infections and other pathogens through the stimulation of activities of white blood cells.
Honey is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. A study in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine has reported that the natural enzymes from honey produce hydrogen peroxide, which explains the antimicrobial nature of honey. Honey also heals and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress, which have an important role in preserving a strong immune system.
Why garlic honey is the immunity booster
It synergises and produces stronger effects when garlic and honey come together as a health-giving blend. Their actions and properties of antimicrobial action in garlic go hand-in-hand with the anti-inflammatory and mucilage properties of honey in effectively combating cold and flu viruses. All these synergies combine to…
Fight pathogens: Both garlic and honey have antimicrobial powers that can help the body fight off harmful bacteria and viruses.
Anti-inflammation: Chronic inflammation will inhibit the immune system. Garlic is rich in sulfur compounds and antioxidants, and honey has anti-inflammatory properties, so it would help to fortify the immune function in general.
Increase antioxidant capacity: The antioxidants neuter free radicals, which reduces oxidative stress and slows down cell damage, which can compromise immunity.
How to make garlic honey at home
All you need to make this honey is one cup of raw and organic honey with 8-10 fresh cloves of garlic. To prepare this honey, peel the garlic clove and bruise it gently or chop it so that the allicin compound is released for its immunological impact. Then put the crushed garlic cloves in a clean glass jar and pour the honey over them. Soak the garlic completely in honey. Mix it well to remove all air pockets, and then tightly top the jar with a lid. Place the jar at room temperature for 5-7 days and open the lid each day to remove gases that could form. This fermentation enhances the bioavailability of the active compounds. Now that you have waited for seven days, your garlic honey is ready to use. Keep it in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for a longer shelf life.
How to take Garlic Honey
To enhance immunities, one teaspoon of garlic honey can be taken empty stomach in the morning. As an add-on, for cold and flu, one may take an extra teaspoon to his daily body. The taste would be strong initially but ends up being more palatable over time because of the infusion of garlic in honey.
Benefits of garlic honey
Antibacterial and antiviral properties: Garlic honey was proven in Phytotherapy Research to inhibit bacterial strains, even including bacteria that have developed resistance against human antibiotics. Hence, garlic honey is proven to be an effective prophylactic measure against bacterial and viral infections.
Anti-inflammatory: Molecular Nutrition & Food Research study highlighted that garlic decreases inflammatory markers in the body with positive effects. Since honey naturally contains some anti-inflammatory properties, garlic honey possesses an ideal immunity system.
Strengthened immune system: The International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine explained that honey balances the immune system to build sufficient immunity to destroy destructive pathogens without overexciting the immune system.
Garlic honey is indeed a home remedy, but it's much more than that. It is scientifically supported for a boost to your immune system since it contains two of nature's most potent ingredients. More than this, however, garlic honey is a very easy recipe to make and use as an effective support system in your body against flu season or when your body drops and has to boost its defences. Take on this ancient mix for better overall well-being, as it has been supported by modern science.
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