Everyone desires to stay healthy and glowing forever. We constantly seek ways to keep our health top-notch. Mother Nature generously offers powerful herbs and spices that are a blessing. We only need to be aware of the benefits of such herbs so that they can be included in our lives. Kashmiri garlic is one such mighty herb that has a lot of health benefits to offer to you. You will be amazed to know that in ancient times mountaineers used to consume Kashmiri garlic to raise their energy levels and detoxify their bodies in extreme cold conditions. Locals consume it against rheumatoid arthritis and for its other medicinal benefits. Kashmiri garlic benefits will give you every reason to make it a staple in your kitchen, alongside your favorite herbs and spices.
Also Read: WellHealth Ayurvedic Health Tips
Image courtesy: Wikipedia.org
What is Kashmiri Garlic?
The scientific name of Kashmiri garlic is Allium sativum L.
Other popular names for Kashmiri garlic are Snow Mountain garlic, Pahari lahsun, Ek Pothi lahsun, Himalayan garlic, Jammu garlic, Single Clove garlic, and One Clove garlic.
Kashmiri garlic is grown in the Himalayas and is a rare, single-clove variety of garlic.
It is considered as a purified form of garlic.
As per Wikipedia, this garlic is grown in Jammu and Kashmir, India at altitudes of up to 1800 m (6000 ft).
The Snow Mountain garlic can very well survive in temperatures as low as -10 °C (14 °F) and with very little oxygen.
Kashmiri garlic clove is bright white to creamy white and offers a strong, pungent garlic flavor without the acidity present in other varieties.
It is available year-round with its peak season being the spring.
Nutritional Value of Kashmiri Garlic
Kashmiri garlic is nutrient-dense and contains vitamins, minerals, and many beneficial compounds.
The nutritional profile of Kashmiri garlic is as follows:
- Sulfur Compounds: It contains a high level of sulfur compounds such as allicin, known for its antimicrobial, antifungal, and bioactive properties.
- Minerals: It is a good source of Manganese (73% of RDA), Selenium (26% of RDA), Calcium, Copper, and Potassium.
- Vitamins: It is a good source of vitamin C (52% of RDA) and vitamin B6 (95% of RDA). It is also rich in Vitamin B1.
- Essential Amino Acids: Kashmiri garlic contains vital amino acids for our body to function properly.
- Fiber: It is a good source of dietary fiber supporting our digestive health.
- Flavonoids: It is abundant in flavonoids, which possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Phenolic Compounds: Kashmiri garlic contains phenolic compounds that contribute to its antioxidant properties.
- Fatty Acids: The composition of fatty acids in Kashmiri garlic is a part of its health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory benefits.
- Enzymes: The garlic contains the enzymes alliin and alliinase. These enzymes produce allicin when the garlic is crushed or ground and allicin is responsible for the pungent smell.
The availability of all these nutrients makes Kashmiri garlic effective in preventing and treating many diseases.
Image courtesy: myresearchjournals.com
Top 12 Kashmiri Garlic Benefits
Herbal medicine is indeed as old as human civilization.
However, with the advancement in civilization, these ancient practices have almost gone into oblivion.
The good news is that scientists and researchers have started looking at the herbal medicine system again, hoping for a safer and more efficient remedy.
Recent research has shown that Kashmiri garlic is 7 times more powerful than regular garlic in offering health benefits owing to its beneficial compounds and properties.
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Research also suggests that Kashmiri garlic has higher concentrations of beneficial compound allicin than regular garlic, making Snow Mountain garlic several times more potent than regular garlic.
Let us look at some of the amazing benefits of Kashmiri garlic.
A.) Benefits in Respiratory Conditions
1.) Relieves from Common Cold
Kashmiri garlic has been traditionally used for its benefits in the common cold.
It makes breathing easier and provides comfort from nasal congestion.
The antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties of Kashmiri garlic help fight off the cold virus.
2.) Provides Relief in Asthma
The presence of sulfur compounds, particularly allicin, helps reduce inflammation in airways.
This gives relief to the people suffering from Asthma.
Kashmiri garlic is beneficial in relaxing the bronchial muscles.
It helps improve the airflow and provides relief in breathing.
3.) Helps in Combating Flu
Kashmiri garlic possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial qualities.
It helps the body to fight against viral infections like flu.
By strengthening the immune system, Kashmiri garlic shortens the duration and intensity of the flu symptoms.
4.) Relieves Breathing Discomfort
Garlic has been used for ages for respiratory-related disorders.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Kashmiri garlic help reduce respiratory tract irritation.
This property is particularly beneficial in conditions like bronchitis and other breathing discomforts.
B.) Benefits to Cardiovascular Health
1.) Prevents the Hardening of Arteries
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Kashmiri garlic promote a healthy circulation of blood by reducing oxidative stress.
This prevents the building of plaque in arteries, a primary cause of arteriosclerosis (thickening or hardening of arteries).
2.) Prevents Blood Clotting
Kashmiri garlic’s antiplatelet characteristic helps prevent blood clots by reducing the stickiness of platelets.
This reduces the risk of thrombosis (blood clots) and other cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and strokes.
3.) Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease
Regular consumption of Kashmiri garlic helps in preventing heart-related problems.
The presence of sulfur compounds and antioxidants in Kashmiri garlic protects the heart from the damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammation.
It helps reduce cholesterol, and blood pressure levels, and improve blood circulation.
All of these are critical for better heart health.
C.) Improves Digestive Health
1.) Treats Diarrhea
Snow Mountain garlic has antimicrobial properties that help kill harmful bacteria in the gut.
This helps in treating diarrhea which is caused by the infections.
The detoxifying properties of Kashmiri garlic also promote gut health.
2.) Treats Dysentery
The strong antimicrobial properties of Kashmiri garlic help fight off pathogens that cause dysentery.
This helps in easing the symptoms and promotes faster recovery.
It also detoxifies the body by removing the harmful substances.
3.) Treats Constipation
Kashmiri garlic stimulates the digestive tract and improves the mobility of the gut.
This helps in easing constipation.
It is also high in fiber which makes bowel movements easier.
4.) Effective Against Cholera
Kashmiri garlic’s antibacterial benefits are also effective against cholera.
It acts against the bacteria responsible for causing it.
It helps strengthen the immune system and supports the treatment of intestinal infections, including cholera.
5.) Treats Intestinal Ailments
Kashmiri garlic has soothing properties for the digestion system.
Its antimicrobial properties help fight off infections in the intestines, promoting a healthy gut environment.
6.) Reduces Heartburn
Kashmiri garlic helps balance stomach acids.
It helps in digestion by encouraging the secretion of gastric juices.
This helps in suppressing the acid reflux and reduces the symptoms of heartburn.
7.) Encourages the Secretion of Gastric Juices
Kashmiri garlic benefits in improving overall digestive health.
It enhances the secretion of digestive enzymes and gastric juices, thereby improving digestion.
An improved digestive system leads to a better absorption of nutrients.
D.) Promotes Healing of Skin and Wounds
1.) Fights Acne
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of Kashmiri garlic help fight bacteria causing acne.
The rich antioxidant profile of Kashmiri garlic heals the skin and reduces inflammation.
2.) Heals Wounds
Kashmiri garlic has been used traditionally for its wound-healing benefits.
Its antimicrobial properties prevent the infection from spreading in the cuts and wounds.
The antioxidant properties speed up the recovery process.
3.) Help Against Skin Eruptions
Kashmiri garlic helps detoxify the body and reduces inflammation.
This helps prevent skin eruptions like boils and abscesses, fight off bacterial infections, and promote quick healing.
E.) Fight off Infections
The powerful antimicrobial benefits of Kashmiri garlic help boost immunity.
It is known to fight off the infections.
This helps the body combat the bacteria responsible for causing TB, and typhoid.
It is equally effective against parasitic infections causing diseases like malaria.
The antioxidant properties of Kashmiri garlic help in quick healing by mitigating the damage caused by infections.
F.) Detoxification and Other Conditions
1.) Used As an Antidote
Kashmiri garlic has been traditionally used as an antidote against reptile bites, especially snake bites.
This mighty herb can neutralize the venom and detoxify the body.
2.) Vitalizes the Liver
Kashmiri garlic benefits the liver by removing toxins.
It protects the liver cells from the damage caused by toxins and oxidative stress.
This helps rejuvenate a tired liver.
3.) An Immunity Booster
Eating Kashmiri garlic regularly can boost immunity and help the body fight off diseases. This improves overall health.
Kashmiri garlic is rich in antioxidants and has a higher concentration of beneficial sulfur compound, allicin.
The immune boosting and many other benefits come from the powerful nutrients of the Kashmiri garlic.
G.) Anti-Cancer Properties
The anti-cancer benefit of Kashmiri garlic is one of the best-researched topics.
The usage of garlic is effective in offering protection against the risk of developing cancer.
The bioactive compounds of garlic have been tested in research for their effectiveness against various cancers including skin, ovarian, prostate, gastric, breast, lung, colorectal, liver, oral, and pancreatic cancer.
H.) Reduces Hypertension
Snow Mountain garlic is known to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
Its extremely beneficial element Allicin may help relax muscles and reduce blood pressure.
I.) Reduces Diabetes
Kashmiri garlic is also known to benefit against diabetes.
When the sulfur compound, allicin is combined with Vitamin B and thiamine, it helps the pancreas to produce insulin.
This helps in fighting against diabetes.
J.) Neuroprotective Qualities
The antioxidant properties of Kashmiri garlic benefit against neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Flavonoids and polyphenols in Kashmiri garlic have antioxidant properties that protect brain cells from oxidative stress.
They fight against free radicals to prevent damage to neurons over time.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Kashmiri garlic provide neuroprotection by reducing inflammation in the brain and nervous system.
K.) Anti-Arthritic Qualities
Kashmiri garlic is haled for its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic qualities.
In the Himalayan region, locals use Kashmiri garlic to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
A study published in Science Direct has shown that Snow Mountain garlic has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritis effects, even better than regular garlic based on several tests.
L.) Obesity-Related Benefits
Kashmiri garlic’s obesity-related benefits come from its role in reducing inflammation, improving insulin sensitivity, and helping to lower body fat.
Kashmiri garlic reduces inflammation in adipose tissue (body fat). Inflammation in fat tissue is a major factor in obesity.
Diabetes and obesity are closely linked.
The fatty acids responsible for lowering body fat also have anti-diabetic properties.
These fatty acids help in lowering blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Kashmiri garlic’s ability to combat insulin resistance helps in managing obesity-related conditions.
Image courtesy: National Library of Medicine
Takeaway Message
Kashmiri garlic is also known as single-clove garlic because it has only one bulb (chive-shaped) of approximately 2 to 5 mm.
What makes Kashmiri garlic so special and different from ordinary garlic is its extraordinary ability to survive in unfavorable environments.
This unique ability of Kashmiri garlic has given it many medicinal properties and health benefits over and above other garlic species.
Kashmiri garlic benefits are a boon for humanity, yet this valuable herb still awaits the recognition it deserves.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer’s opinions and should not be considered a substitute for an expert’s advice.
Readings & References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_Mountain_garlic
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9227034/
- file:///C:/Users/akkum/Downloads/3466-Article%20Text-1168-1-10-20210903.pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874122009783
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10067574/
Kashmiri lahsun ke labh lekh se jankari me izafa hua. Iske fayde dekh kar ise apne khan-pan me apnana jaruri lag raha hai. Aisi shandar post ke liye dhanyawaad.
Thanks for your comments.
बहुत ही महत्वपूर्ण जानकारी इतना विस्तार से, यह अद्भुत है।
Thanks for your comments.
Thanks a lot for your benefits