The Calorific Content of Garlic: Uncovering the Health Attributes of This Vegetable Component
Mateusz Pawlak
2026-03-22
2 min. read
118
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Garlic is a popular vegetable in the kitchen. It is known for its beneficial impact on the body, especially during a cold or flu-like conditions. What are the health attributes of this vegetable component?
Rich chemical constituents
The spice is composed of 60% water. An average garlic clove weighs approximately 3 g, and its nutritional value is as follows: – calorific value: 4 kcal, – protein: 0.2 g, – fat: 0 g, – total carbohydrates: 1 g, – dietary fiber: 0.1 g. Garlic also contains vitamins and minerals, including: – vitamin B1 (0.2 mg/100 g), – vitamin B2 (0.1 mg/100 g), – vitamin B3 (0.7 mg/100 g), – vitamin B6 (0.1 mg/100 g), – folic acid (5 µg/100 g), – vitamin C (31 mg/100 g), – potassium (400 mg/100 g), – magnesium (25 mg/100 g), – sodium (17 mg/100 g), – iodine (2.7 µg/100 g), – phosphorus (153 mg/100 g), – calcium (41 mg/100 g), – zinc (1 mg/100 g), – selenium (14.2 µg/100 g). Additionally, garlic is a source of organic compounds such as anthocyanins, glucosides, scordinins, polyphenols, and sulfur compounds. It also contains selenium, which protects all body cells from the harmful effects of free radicals.
The sulfur source in garlic
Chemical compounds containing sulfur, present in garlic, make up 2,3% of its dry weight. The most significant component is cysteine sulfoxide, also known as alliin. The destruction of garlic bulbs results in the conversion of alliin to allicin, which accounts for the majority of garlic's health-promoting properties. Allicin is characterized by its strong antithrombotic, anti-atherosclerotic, bactericidal, and anticarcinogenic properties.
Health attributes
Garlic supports the function of the immune system, thereby enhancing the body's immunity. It possesses antiparasitic, antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, even towards antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, the substances contained in garlic have a detrimental effect on Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which are responsible for the development of exudates and ulcers on the stomach wall, potentially leading to cancer in that organ. Moreover, garlic stimulates the growth and development of healthy bacteria such as Lactobacillus.
Prevention of circulatory system disorders
The hydrogen sulfide present in garlic displays antioxidant and anti-clotting properties, as well as promotes the synthesis of nitric oxide, thereby preventing platelet aggregation, reducing the risk of hyperlipidemia, and contributing to blood pressure reduction.
Tags
Garlic Nutrition
Sulfur Compounds In Food
Health Benefits Of Garlic
Antioxidants In Vegetables
Cardiovascular Health
Heart Health
Hypertension Management
Immune System
Antioxidants
Gut Health
Digestive Health
Micronutrients
Selenium
Folic Acid
Zinc
Inflammation
Natural Antibiotics
Medicinal Plants
Phytotherapy
Blood Sugar Control
Metabolic Syndrome
Longevity
Cognitive Function
Brain Health