Teas in general are well known for their medicinal properties. Who has never heard “take a cup that gets better”?
Whether to help immunity or to reduce pain, there is usually one to help decrease various symptoms.
Among them, garlic tea, which, although not preferred by most people, can bring health benefits.
Contents
What is garlic tea?
Garlic tea is a drink that is usually warm, resulting from the infusion of a plant known as garlic.
Scientifically called Allium sativum , the plant can be used both as a spice and for medicinal purposes.
However, when eaten pure, the taste of garlic is strong and even unpleasant for some people. Therefore, its version in tea is a good option for those who want to get the benefits of the food, however, with a slightly attenuated taste.
Check out more about the drink!
What is garlic tea for?
From the strengthening of the immune system to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, garlic tea serves to help the proper functioning of different areas of the body and the balance of the body.
It also serves to:
To the heart
Garlic has a compound called Alicina, which is mainly responsible for its medicinal purposes.
The substance participates in the reduction of blood pressure in cases of high blood pressure , since it works as a vasodilator.
In this way, it facilitates blood flow, preventing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack.
For the immune system
The consumption of garlic tea can help in strengthening the immune system, because in addition to Alicin, it has vitamin C, which helps in the production of white blood cells (defense).
In this way, it helps to fight the symptoms of colds and flu, in addition to having expectorant properties, which can help in the treatment of cases such as the accumulation of mucus.
In addition, tea helps to treat other infections, as it has antifungal and antibacterial effects.
For cholesterol
Cholesterol levels can be reduced with the consumption of garlic. This is due to the presence of the substance Alicina in its composition.
Thus, the drink helps prevent problems such as atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries due to accumulation of fat -, for example.
For the skin
Garlic has antioxidant properties such as selenium (a chemical element), which work by fighting free radicals – molecules capable of causing cell aging.
In this way, it helps to prevent premature aging of cells and tissues.
For cough
Garlic tea is a good ally for those who want to end problems like coughing .
Because it has expectorant properties, the drink helps to eliminate excess mucus, often present with the problem.
In addition, the anti-inflammatory properties present in tea, provided by Alicina, help to reduce inflammation in the lungs, one of the possible causes of cough.
To lose weight
There is still no scientific evidence that garlic tea helps with weight loss.
However, garlic has thermogenic properties, that is, it promotes an increase in body temperature, which can lead to faster burning of fat.
In addition, the drink can help promote satiety, which, in general, reduces hunger and, consequently, causes less calories to be ingested.
However, it is worth remembering that garlic tea alone will not bring great results on the scale. For a significant weight loss, it is necessary, along with consumption, the practice of physical exercises and a balanced diet.
How to make garlic tea?
Garlic tea, in general, is simple to prepare. It can be made pure or with ingredients such as honey, to help reduce the strong flavor of the drink and enhance its therapeutic effects.
Pure, it can be done in a few steps:
- Boil about 250mL of water;
- Peel 2 to 3 cloves of garlic;
- Knead the garlic and place it in a cup;
- Add boiling water and smother with a cloth;
- Let stand for about 10 minutes and drink warm, without sweetening.
Other options are:
With honey
Honey can be used to sweeten tea for those who are not pleased with the pure flavor of the drink.
To prepare it, just add between 1 and 2 tablespoons of honey to the ready-made tea.
With lemon
Adding lemon to garlic tea can help further enhance the benefits of the drink.
This is because lemon is rich in antioxidants that help prevent premature aging. In addition, it has detox properties, which help to eliminate toxins from the body.
To prepare a drink, it is enough:
- In a container, add about 250mL of water;
- Cut 1 whole lemon into 4 parts and peel 2 cloves of garlic;
- Add the lemon pieces and garlic to the water and boil;
- After boiling, smother the drink with a cloth and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
Honey can be added to sweeten it.
With ginger
The combination of garlic and ginger is also a good option when making tea.
The analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger help to intensify the benefits already provided by garlic, in addition to promoting a different flavor to the drink.
To prepare:
- Knead 3 cloves of garlic;
- Add the crushed garlic to 500mL of water and bring to a boil;
- Cut or grate 1 piece of ginger (approximately 1.5 cm);
- After boiling the liquid, add the cut ginger;
- Reduce the heat and cover the pan, leaving it to drizzle for about 5 minutes;
- After that, remove from heat and let cool. Drink warm.
It is possible to add a little honey (1 to 2 tablespoons) to soften the flavor.
Is garlic tea good for your hair?
Not directly . Many homemade recipes indicate that the use of garlic is beneficial for hydration and hair growth.
However, in addition to the lack of scientific proof of such benefits, this possible result is achieved by applying garlic oil or mixing the food with other ingredients in the threads.
Thus, ingesting the tea version will not bring direct benefits to the hair.
What are the benefits and harms?
Because of its properties, garlic tea can have several health applications, acting on the regulation of high blood pressure and even cholesterol. Check out some of the benefits and harms:
The benefits
Among the main benefits provided by the consumption of garlic tea are:
- Helps control cholesterol;
- Prevents premature aging;
- Helps control blood pressure;
- Strengthens the immune system;
- Helps to fight infections.
Harm
Like most foods, garlic tea has some harmful effects. Among them are:
- It causes strong breath;
- It can cause gastric reactions if taken in excess.
In cases of strong breath, a tip is, after ingesting the drink, chew 3 mint leaves, which acts as a deodorant, reducing the odor left in the mouth by the tea.
As excessive consumption can lead to gastric problems, moderation is always worth it.
Who can not consume?
Like other teas, garlic tea has some contraindications.
In general, drinking the drink is not indicated in cases of people who have problems related to low blood pressure, since it acts in lowering blood pressure.
In addition, people with bleeding disorders or who have had recent surgery should also avoid tea, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.
It is always worth talking to the doctor (a) responsible about the effects of tea for each case.
Price and where to buy?
Garlic can be found in markets, fairs or health food stores.
Its price may vary according to the geographic area or establishment, but in general it costs ( in natura) about R $ 6 per 200g – approximately 3 heads of garlic.
There are industrialized versions of crushed garlic, for example.
However, it is always worth prioritizing the natural version, since during the industrialization process, food generally loses part of its nutrients.
Garlic tea is a versatile drink that, despite not having a taste that appeals to everyone, can be beneficial for your health!
You have tried? Tell us in the comments!
The Healthy Minute has other information about teas and natural remedies for you! Read more and stay informed!
