Garlic is a mini-storehouse of minerals. Manganese, copper, iron, zinc, sulfur, calcium, aluminum, chlorine, and selenium are all part of the minerals contained in garlic. One hundred grams, or 3 1/2 ounces, of fresh garlic will supply the following:
- Copper 0.30 mg
- Iron 1.7 mg
- Manganese 1.12 mg
- Phosphorous 153 mg
- Selenium 14.2 mg
- Zinc 1.16 mg
Three medium cloves of fresh raw garlic contain 13 calories, 1 gram of protein, 3 grams of carbohydrate and 2 grams of sodium. Garlic does not contain fiber or fat.
Those three garlic cloves comprise a surprising nutritional profile. For instance, they register trace levels of most B vitamins with the exception of vitamin B12. They have a vitamin C content of 2.8 mg and 16.3 mg of calcium. The magnesium and potassium content weighs in at 2.3 mg and 36.1 mg respectively.
Though garlic is a nutritionally endowed food, it is only consumed in small amounts. One shouldn't expect to gain large doses of vitamins from a clove or two of garlic.
Garlic can fight arterial plaque, improve the elasticity of arteries, and reduce blood clotting and slightly lower cholesterol, triglycerides and high blood pressure.
Side effects include allergic reaction, upset stomach and increased blood-clotting time. Taking with aspirin or coumadin might increase chances of prolonged bleeding.
Avoid garlic for at least one week pre-surgery.
Recommended doses: Garlic powder (standardized): 200mg to 300mg, three times daily. AGE (aged garlic extract): 300mg to 800mg, three times a day.