Garlic powder is often sprinkled on pizza or used to season grilled chicken, and it’s rich in flavour, but this spice also has some health benefits that may surprise those who have been using it for a long time.
This powder, made from dried and crushed garlic cloves, is a rich source of essential minerals, such as iron, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. They all positively affect bone health and work together to maintain the body’s strength, according to the British newspaper The Independent.
“Phosphorus and calcium work together to support essential body functions, such as building strong bones, maintaining muscle function, and maintaining healthy nerves,” Kate Patton, a registered dietitian nutritionist, told the Cleveland Clinic website.
Garlic powder also contains selenium, an essential mineral that supports thyroid and reproductive health, and may help people with chronic asthma.
It also provides protection from oxidative stress when the body does not contain enough antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances found in foods that can prevent damage to our cells and DNA.
Certified nutritionist Kayla Cobb told the site: “Selenium is known to reduce the risk of cancer, because it helps repair DNA damage that occurs in our bodies.”
Vitamins and other substances
Garlic contains the chemical compound known as allicin, which is a yellow liquid, which researchers say is an antioxidant.
“Garlic gets its pungent smell from an organosulfur compound called allicin,” nutritionist Laura Jeffers told the site. “This compound makes garlic a healthy addition to your diet.”
Some research has indicated that it can help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
Garlic powder also contains vitamins as does fresh garlic, including vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Vitamin B6 is important for brain development and maintaining the balance of the nervous system, and both Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C help maintain a healthy immune system. But garlic powder contains only a small fraction of the amount of vitamins found in regular garlic.