How to Cook Garlic to Maximinze Health Benefits

Garlic is renowned for its health benefits. It is rumored to cure the common cold and even ward off the plague. Studies have proven its heart-healthy benefits. But all cooked garlic is not created equal. Some cooking methods can zap it of it's healthful properties, others can actually enhance them. Here, how to cook garlic to optimize its good-for-the-body features.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garlic
• Knife or garlic press
• Heat source

1. Smash the garlic before you cook it. A recent study shows that crushing garlic before it's cooked helps it retain more of its anti-clotting compounds. Try smashing the bulb with the handle of a knife or use a garlic press.

2. Don't overcook the garlic. Garlic cooked for three or fewer minutes kept the same healthful properties as raw garlic. Those health-boosting effects dwindle, though, when garlic is cooked longer.

3. Steer clear of the microwave. You can boil, bake or sautée the stuff, but don't try microwaving garlic. It virtually sucks out all of garlic's good properties.