4 reasons why wild garlic is healthy
Wild garlic is one of the most popular types of herbs in Germany. The garlic-like taste gives it a very special aroma. However, the green plant is also one of the medicinal plants and is even said to lower cholesterol. You can find out more about calories, nutritional values and why wild garlic is healthy here.
Bear’s garlic, botanically called Allium ursinum, belongs to the amaryllis family and also belongs to the subgroup of the leek family. Whether as a soup, in bread or as butter: the onion-like plant makes every dish something special. But also from a nutritional point of view, wild garlic is a real miracle and provides us with essential nutrients and ingredients.
1. Rich in valuable ingredients
Wild garlic has many important nutrients that our body needs to keep our organs functioning properly. At 19 kilocalories per 100 grams, the plant is extremely low in calories, contains hardly any fat and also very few carbohydrates – perfect for a low-carb diet. The following table gives you an overview of the existing ingredients:
| BEAR LEE | PER 100 GRAM |
| Calories | 19th |
| fat | 0.3 g |
| protein | 0.9 g |
| carbohydrates | 2.9 g |
| vitamin C | 150 mg |
| Folic acid | 17 µg |
| potassium | 336 mg |
| magnesium | 22 mg |
| Calcium | 76 mg |
| iron | 2.87 mg |
Vitamin C can be found in abundance in wild garlic. At 150 milligrams per 100 grams, the green spice even rivals lemons. The vitamin plays a major role in the structure of our connective tissue and also has an antioxidant effect. A meal with the garlic-like plant can therefore contribute significantly to replenishing your vitamin C stores, which in turn explains why wild garlic is healthy.
Folic acid is also contained in wild garlic, and not too scarce: At 17 micrograms per 100 grams, the green leaves are not too far away from vegetable sources of folic acid such as lentils. Folic acid is extremely important for cell division and therefore plays a major role in the diet of pregnant women.
In addition to the vitamins mentioned, wild garlic also offers some minerals such as potassium. At 336 milligrams per 100 grams, the green spice is almost on a par with bananas and can therefore be used as a valuable source of potassium. The mineral is essential for the transmission of nerve impulses and for the acid-base balance. Wild garlic also contains magnesium, calcium, iron and phosphorus.
2. Helps with high blood pressure
The “range” of nutrients mentioned shows that wild garlic is healthy. But that’s not enough: the green leaves can also help with high blood pressure. As part of a study, scientists found that wild garlic improves the flow properties of the blood and thus has the ability to lower blood pressure. Since this study was conducted in rats, more research is needed. Nevertheless, according to the researchers, the tasty herb can be used overall for the therapy of any heart disease.
High blood pressure is initially not painful and is therefore often not noticed. Nevertheless, symptoms such as headache, dizziness, visual disturbances or water retention can occur, which should be taken seriously. Long-term high blood pressure is often the cause of various secondary diseases such as heart attacks or strokes.
Bear’s garlic is therefore a real wonder herb and can help lower your blood pressure. Would you like to use these healthy properties immediately and not just during the wild garlic season? Here you will find great ways to preserve the garlic-like spice.
3. Good for digestion
What else makes wild garlic healthy? If you have indigestion, the green leaves may be good for you. At least that’s what scientists were able to determine in a study. The researchers suggest that wild garlic can help treat mild indigestion. Above all, antioxidants substances are responsible for this, which are supposed to inhibit the formation of enter pathogenic strains. These are special microorganisms that can cause digestive diseases. Wild garlic should also help with flatulence and alleviate discomfort.
In addition, wild garlic is often advertised as a natural antibiotic. The essential oils and phytochemicals contained in it have an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. As described above, the dark green plant can therefore be used against various internal organic complaints. The sulfur compounds contained should also ensure flexible joints. So not only the good taste is convincing.
4. Lowers cholesterol levels
Wild garlic is not only beneficial for digestion. The herb can also have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. A study has shown that wild garlic has properties that lower “bad cholesterol” and increase “good”. Since this study was carried out on rats, there is still a need for further research. Nevertheless, you will definitely not go wrong with regular consumption of wild garlic – on the contrary: wild garlic is a real powerhouse for our body.
Resource
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is largely produced by our organism itself and plays an extremely important role in the structure of the cell membrane and in lipid metabolism. We take in the remaining part through our daily diet. Too high a cholesterol level can lead to serious consequences such as arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Therefore, this should always be kept in mind.
Bear’s garlic is therefore not only a real treat, but probably also ensures that our blood lipid levels are lowered and thus that the disease mentioned is prevented.
Good to know
Wild garlic is not available all year round and is only in season from March to the beginning of May. Wrapped in a damp cloth, the green leaves can be kept in the refrigerator for about two days. Freezing is also an option. If the aroma is too intense for you, you can also add parsley to the recipes. In season, wild garlic is available in almost every supermarket.
Only pick wild garlic if you are one hundred percent sure that the leaves resemble the highly poisonous lily of the valley and autumn crocus. Bear’s garlic can be recognized by its garlic-like smell – its two doppelgangers are odorless. This can be done by rubbing the leaves between your fingers to be really sure. For the next test, however, you should definitely wash your hands, otherwise it can be falsified.
In addition, wild garlic is appetizing and cholatory. The high chlorophyll content improves blood formation and oxygen supply.
Knowledge to take away
Wild garlic is bursting with important nutrients. The green leaflets contain large amounts of vitamin C, folic acid and potassium, which are important for the development of connective tissue, cell division and the transmission of nerve impulses. In addition, the garlic-like plant is extremely low in calories and fat.
But that’s not enough: wild garlic has been shown to lower high blood pressure. The green herb can also help with digestive ailments and lower cholesterol levels.
The flavor-intensive plant not only brings that certain something to our plate, but is also beneficial for our body and makes it clear why wild garlic is healthy.
