Everyone has heard of the amazing advantages of adding garlic to the diet. It's capabilities of having anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal healing properties are legendary.
In addition to reducing inflammation and infection, it also reduces the risk of heart disease, lowers cholesterol levels, reduces blood pressure and the incidence of certain types of cancer. Add to this list, it reduces the severity of the common cold and helps to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Salt
All of these benefits from just a lowly little herb/spice commonly used in many kitchens on a daily basis.
So check through any grocery store and you can find:
- oil-packed garlic
- water-packed garlic
- granulated garlic
- garlic powder
- minced garlic
- garlic salt
- fresh garlic
- plus others
Each of these are on display for every shopper's selection.
Is There Any Difference In All These Varieties?
Here is a short overview on each variety so it can help you make a wiser decision which one can better suit your needs.
- oil-packed and water-packed garlic are just the fresh cloves packed in oil or water to preserve the moisture content of fresh garlic. The oil-packed variety is higher in fats and calories so if you need to watch your blood fats (triglycerides and cholesterol) or you are a diagnosed diabetic currently under treatment for any form of heart disease, it is advisable you stay with the water-packed variety.
- minced garlic, granulated garlic and garlic powder are all three dried versions of fresh garlic. After the drying process, the garlic is then ground up to different textures for resale.
- garlic salt is actually 75% regular table salt with a small amount of the dried variety added for flavor. Therefore 3 parts of table salt is combined with one part of garlic powder. Many people feel garlic salt has the strongest and best flavor. But actually you are relishing the flavor of actual salt, not just the garlic flavor itself. Any person on a low sodium diet must therefore avoid garlic salt at all costs.
- fresh garlic has been becoming more important it seems daily because of continuous testing. It seems that fresh garlic's medicinal properties can actually strengthen after peeling if allowed to sit and rest for about 10 minutes before adding it to your recipes.
So although many people prefer garlic salt because they believe it is a stronger version of garlic powder, the opposite is the actual truth. Your taste buds are responding to the actual taste of the table salt itself in the garlic salt version instead.
Garlic Salt - Is It Good For My Health?
Kathi Robinson
Learning how to use spices in your diabetic cooking leads to a greater sense of satisfaction with each and every one of your daily meals. Please visit my site at http://www.allergy-and-diabetic-health.com/blood-pressure-control.html