CHIP Tip No. 15: For the Love of Garlic
from CHIP Clinical Manager Amy Lister, R.D.

When garlic is crushed, antibiotic and anithrombotic properties are activated. This makes garlic a popular ingredient in many dishes.

Garlic has been used as both a food and a medicine since the days of the Egyptian pharaohs. Crushing, chewing or cutting garlic activates a "magical" ingredient in garlic called allicin that has many therapeutic qualities. This sulfur compound acts to dilate blood vessel walls and releases anti-cancer properties. It also inhibits platelet aggregation that helps to thin the blood, allowing blood to move through the vessels more freely and decreasing the risk of clot formation.

Considering all of these health benefits, who wouldn't want to add some garlic to his or her diet? You may wonder how much garlic is necessary to notice the benefits. Basically, the more garlic the better. A recent study indicated that four to five garlic cloves a day resulted in a 12 percent decrease in cholesterol. The best way to see this result is by consuming fresh garlic.

Provided below is a great recipe for a tasty garlic spread. It will melt like butter on your favorite whole grain bread—but is much healthier than butter. Enjoy!

Baked Garlic Spread
3 whole garlic bulbs
Olive oil spray
Pepper
Herbs of choice

With a sharp knife, make an incision through the outer skin of each bulb all around the middle, about ¾" above the base. Lift off and discard the outer skin above this point, leaving it intact below.

Place the garlic bulbs on their bases in a small baking dish and spray the olive oil over each bulb. Season with pepper and any additional herbs you choose (rosemary adds a nice flavor).

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes or until the bulbs are golden brown and tender.

Use as a spread for whole-grain bread or crackers.