Three Musketeers of Health

The power of Onion, Ginger, Garlic!

Food can be medicine!

For centuries, the humble onion, ginger, and garlic have been loved not only for their flavor but also for their remarkable medicinal properties. These unassuming kitchen staples, packed with potent compounds, have been used in traditional medicine systems worldwide to treat a variety of ailments.

From boosting immunity to fighting inflammation, these natural wonders offer a wealth of health benefits that continue to intrigue modern science.

I am fascinated by these three vegetables that grow under the ground and their magic lies in their anti-oxidant properties.

What are Antioxidants?

During the process of converting food into energy, our bodies naturally produce free radicals as a byproduct. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress or damage to our cells, and antioxidants are the heroes, protecting our cells from harm.

Let's use the analogy of a fire to illustrate this concept:

• Free radicals are like sparks that can ignite a fire, causing widespread damage.

• Oxidative stress is the raging fire that results from the accumulation of these sparks.

• Antioxidants are like fire extinguishers that can quickly put out the fire before it spreads.

Onion - The Watchful Gatekeeper

Onions are a type of bulb vegetable known for their strong pungent flavor and are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Quercetin, the main compound in onions is a powerful antioxidant.

Think of an onion as the watchful gatekeeper. It stands guard at the entrance of your cells, preventing harmful free radicals (harmful molecules) from entering. Its antioxidant properties act like a security system, neutralizing these intruders before they can cause damage.

They are rich in anti-oxidants, are anti-inflammatory and also reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.

Garlic - The Fierce Warrior

Garlic, a member of the Allium family alongside Onion, is more than just a pungent kitchen staple. Allicin, the main compound in Garlic is a potent antioxidant. It boasts a rich history of culinary and medicinal use.

Imagine garlic as the fierce warrior. It's armed with potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. When harmful bacteria or inflammation tries to invade your body, garlic fights back, neutralizing the threats and protecting your cells.

They are rich in antioxidants, are anti-microbial and help lower blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Ginger

Ginger is a potent root with a range of health benefits. Ginger contains compounds like gingerols, shogaols, and zingerone, which act as potent antioxidants.

Consider ginger as the calming mediator. It helps to reduce inflammation, which can be a major cause of cellular damage. Ginger acts like a peacemaker, soothing any internal conflicts and protecting your cells from the harmful effects of inflammation.

Ginger contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, particularly gingerol, which helps reduce inflammation in the body and protect cells from oxidative stress.

Culinary Staples

Onion, ginger, and garlic are a classic flavor trio found in countless dishes worldwide. In Indian cuisine, most curries, biryani and pav bhaji incorporate this flavor triad. And a lot of Asian dishes such as stir-fries, soups and broth also use these three musketeers to enhance flavor and warmth.

These three vegetables can be had raw but the beneficial compounds are more bio-available when they are cooked. Also, they are great on their own, but when you combine these three, you get an antioxidant boost!

Together, this culinary trio forms a formidable defense force, protecting your cells from harm and promoting overall health.