Spotlight on Garlic: Nature’s Aphrodisiac and Winter Weapon

If you’re not already incorporating garlic into your diet during menopause, it’s time to do so.

Garlic offers a wide range of health-promoting properties, providing nutritional support for women throughout menopause thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. With its natural health abilities able to increase the health of cardiovascular systems, reduce the impact of bone loss, regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, increasing your garlic intake is one way to give your body the best quality of support during the changes menopause brings with it.

These aren’t the only health benefits garlic provides. In fact, garlic has long been used (over centuries) as an aphrodisiac, with ancient civilisations believing garlic could increase stamina and sexual desire. Garlic was a popular ingredient in love potions and fertility elixirs in civilisations long gone; now it is an ingredient supported by modern science.

 

Garlic as an aphrodisiac 

Why has garlic gained this reputation for its aphrodisiac qualities? It turns out the ancient Greeks and Romans were on to something.

Allicin is a compound present in garlic that’s released when a clove is crushed or chopped. Known to improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels and increasing circulation, this enhanced blood circulation may indeed have a positive impact on sexual desire and the increased blood flow to sexual organs. 

Alongside allicin, garlic is rich in antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress, which has a negative impact on libido and sexual function. 

While you may be incorporating more garlic into your diet during menopause for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, there’s no harm in the fact that it may cause an increase in desire and enjoyment in your sex life.

 

The benefits of increasing your garlic intake during winter

It’s no secret that winter can be a challenging time for our immune systems. With colder temperatures and an increased exposure to viruses and bacteria, finding ways to boost your immune system during the winter months can help you combat the impact of common seasonal colds and flus. 

Garlic’s numerous health benefits make it an ideal ingredient to include in your winter diet. As allicin also offers antimicrobial and antiviral effects, regular consumption of garlic can have a direct impact on the strength of your immune system, building your defence line.

The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic can also help to fight seasonal diseases. As the cold weather can exacerbate any existing joint discomfort or stiffness (adding complexity for menopausal women who may be experiencing osteoporosis as a result of decreased bone density), building garlic into your daily intake can help to alleviate these symptoms.

Garlic also promotes cardiovascular health, which is crucial during a season when the risk of heart-related issues can increase. Allicin plays a powerful role in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, decreasing the chances of developing heart disease. 

Garlic offers a lovely warming effect that can make meals more enjoyable during winter. As it’s a great generator of internal heat, it can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy body temperature during the colder months.

Finally, garlic works as a prebiotic, feeding the helpful bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall immunity and wellbeing, so consuming garlic can contribute to a balanced gut flora throughout winter.

 

Our recipe recommendation: Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic

Not only is garlic good for you; it’s also delicious! Quirky Cooking’s Chicken with 40 Cloves of Garlic packs a real garlic punch, delivering plenty of garlicky benefits for your health and your taste buds in one easy meal. If you’re looking for an easy, warming go-to dish for winter, this chicken meal is one you’ll be rushing to repeat before you’ve even finished eating it.

Don’t be afraid of the amount of garlic in this recipe – since it’s cooked unpeeled, it’s not as potent as chopped or peeled garlic. You’ll be surprised by how even the most picky of family eaters will be asking for seconds.

 

Supporting your body through menopause’s changes

Building more garlic into your diet is a great example of how a simple shift can give your body the support it needs through every change menopause brings. To learn more about how you can support your health and wellbeing during each stage of menopause, contact the Australian Menopause Centre to find the highest quality of support and care.