Just like its pungent cousin, the onion, garlic gets its distinctive aroma and flavor from its rich sulfur content. Beyond being packed with sulfur, both condiments are also excellent sources of zinc.
Did you know? Sulfur and zinc actively participate in the production of keratin, the main component of hair. A deficiency in sulfur and zinc can slow down hair growth. That's how much hair needs them!
Garlic's little extra: it improves blood circulation. You know that blood nourishes hair by transporting essential nutrients for its growth to the roots. So, it's in our best interest for our scalp to be well-irrigated!
Garlic and breath: oh my!
Eating garlic is good for your hair. The problem remains the breath! Indeed, many people avoid consuming garlic for fear of exhaling a foul breath. However, there are several tips to mitigate the unbearable smell of garlic:
- Consume garlic preferably in the evening and brush your teeth (and tongue) immediately afterward
- Chew a menthol chewing gum or suck on a mint candy
- Chew parsley or mint leaves
- Chew cloves, etc.
One clove a day!
Finally, know that specialists recommend eating one clove of garlic per day, as its health benefits are numerous. Those who don't particularly like garlic will probably find it difficult to follow this advice every day. Then do as you feel (every other day, every third day,...).
The most reluctant among you will opt instead for onion (also rich in sulfur and zinc) or will settle for an external application (rub a peeled garlic clove on the scalp, the day before a shampoo)
Warnings:
- Garlic is contraindicated for people taking anticoagulants (such as aspirin).
- To fully benefit from garlic's advantages, it's best to consume it raw!
