Garlic: The Herbal "Wonder Drug"

Garlic has been used throughout history to ward off the Plague and to protect soldiers from gangrene. Today this herbal "wonder drug" is used for a myriad of health problems, including high cholesterol and coughs. More information about garlic's benefits can be found at garlic-central.com

Know Your Garlic

For those looking to reduce sodium intake, garlic is the answer! The hot, strong taste of fresh garlic gives food a zing no amount of salt can equal. Buy cloves in bulk and store in a cool, dark place. To get the most health benefits out of your garlic:

Always peel it first. Otherwise, some of the disease-preventing compounds might not form.

Give it a break after cutting or crushing it. Leave it there on the cutting board for about 10 minutes to allow the health-promoting compounds to form.

To get rid of garlic breath, chew on fresh parsley, mint, or lemon or orange peels, and use lemon juice to get the odor off your hands.

Healthy Investments

Garlic Peelers and Garlic Crushers are two gadgets that make using fresh garlic not only easy, but fun. A garlic peeler -- really, a small plastic tube -- takes the work and mess out of peeling garlic. Just put a whole garlic clove inside the tube and roll it back and forth, pressing firmly. Voilà! A naked clove, ready for your garlic crusher.