Discover the benefits of onions and garlic as natural antibiotics

 Onions and garlic are vegetables known for their health benefits, so much so that traditional remedies describe them as natural antibiotics. Therefore, they can be incorporated into many medicinal recipes. The reason onions and garlic are considered natural antibiotics is that they contain plant compounds with antimicrobial properties, according to accredited research. However, this does not mean they are a substitute for antibiotics.

Why do onions act as antibiotics?

Onions contain antioxidant compounds, most notably quercetin. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this substance plays a prominent and scientifically proven role in combating bacteria. This explains why onions are considered a natural antibiotic.

In this regard, studies have indicated that consuming onions may help slow down or stop the growth of some bacteria associated with common problems, such as:

E. coli bacteria

Staphylococcus bacteria

Bacteria that cause stomach ulcers.

Studies confirm that onions slow down or stop bacterial growth. However, this does not automatically cure an existing infection, as it depends on the condition, dosage, nature of the infection, and the need for medical intervention.

How to store onions

The source emphasizes that the method of storing onions affects their effectiveness and benefits as a natural antibiotic. According to experts, storing onions for at least three months may increase their quercetin levels.

Why is garlic considered a natural antibiotic?

Garlic's role as an antibiotic may be more prominent than onions, due to its sulfur compounds. According to the Johns Hopkins Health Library, garlic contains alliin, which is converted into allicin, a strong-smelling compound, when crushed or ground. Health experts describe allicin as a powerful antibacterial agent, and studies indicate that garlic may have antibacterial effects.

Is crushing garlic important?

The alliin compound in garlic is converted into allicin when garlic is crushed or ground. In other words; The same clove of garlic may not have the same potential effect if added whole to food without being crushed, compared to garlic that has been prepared and crushed.

Benefits of Eating Onions and Garlic Daily

Eating onions and garlic every day offers numerous benefits, particularly in fighting bacteria. Here are the expected results:

Boosting Overall Health

As mentioned above, both onions and garlic help fight bacteria, so they should be part of a daily diet. However, experts emphasize that onions and garlic are not a substitute for pharmaceutical antibiotics in case of infection, but they do help boost immunity.

Reducing Salt and Fat

Onions and garlic have strong flavors that add a distinctive taste to dishes. This means that incorporating them daily into recipes helps reduce salt intake, which contributes to high blood pressure. It also helps reduce fat intake while providing a delicious flavor, which in turn aids in weight loss.

Ways to Eat Onions and Garlic Daily

A large onion, slowly cooked, can be added to soups and sauces.

For those who can tolerate it, thinly sliced ​​onions can be added to salads with lemon and a little salt.

You can add onions to marinades for chicken or fish instead of artificial sauces.

Garlic can be added crushed to yogurt salad, as it gives it a special flavor.

Mixed garlic can be added towards the end of cooking for those who prefer a more pronounced flavor.

Garlic with olive oil can be added to vegetable or pasta dishes.

When is relying on onions and garlic not helpful?

If signs of a severe or worsening infection appear, such as a persistent high fever, severe pain, difficulty breathing, or symptoms of acute inflammation, consuming onions or garlic as natural antibiotics will not be effective in treating the condition, and direct medical intervention is required.

Warnings about Onions and Garlic

Despite the aforementioned benefits, there are some precautions that should be considered, such as:

Raw onions may worsen symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or acid reflux in some people.

Garlic may cause stomach pain if consumed in large quantities, especially on an empty stomach.

Therefore, consume onions and garlic in moderation to benefit from their nutritional value and avoid excess to prevent any potential risks.