Kähmän Kaali ja Pukki

The usage of garlic as an ingredient in food is quite a new invention. On the other hand it has been used for medicinal purposes for a very long time.

People have believed in the power of garlic since ancient times. Historians claim that the first growers of garlic were the Egyptians who believed that it strengthened the body and protected from disease. Garlic played its part in the making of one of the worlds seven wonders, because some people say that the slaves who built the pyramids were fed garlic on a daily basis.

The ancient Greek and Roman soldiers and fighters also ate garlic before battle in order to acquire strength and courage. The wives left at home wore a string of garlic around their neck to keep away evil spirits. Known as the father of western medicine, Hippocrates recommended garlic for treatment of wounds, inflammations, leprosy and digestion disorders. In medieval times garlic was used to protect against the plague.

Even though garlic is mostly known for the kick it brings to foods, also modern research has proven the health benefits of garlic. Garlic and the components it consists of are proven to lessen cancer and weaken the growth of breast cancer -cells (Anticancer effects of garlic and garlic derived compounds for breast cancer control. Tsubura A, Lai YC, Kuwata M, Uehara N, Yoshizawa K.)