Calories in Garlic
Garlic is a pungent bulb vegetable known for its distinctive flavor and aroma. It's low in calories and fat, offering a good source of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium. Its nutritional profile also includes beneficial sulfur compounds.
Common Variations
| Variation | Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 clove (3g) | 1 clove (3g) | 4 | 0.2g | 1g | 0g |
| 3 cloves (9g) | 3 cloves (9g) | 13 | 0.6g | 3g | 0g |
| 1 tsp (3g) | 1 tsp (3g) | 4 | 0.2g | 0.9g | 0g |
Health Benefits
May help boost immune function due to its sulfur-containing compounds.
Contributes to heart health by potentially lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Possesses antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.
Nutrition Tips
- Incorporate fresh garlic into your cooking for maximum flavor and health benefits.
- Crush or mince garlic and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before cooking to enhance the formation of beneficial sulfur compounds.
- Use garlic as a natural flavor enhancer to reduce the need for added salt or unhealthy fats in your meals.
- Store whole garlic bulbs in a cool, dry, dark place to maintain freshness and prevent sprouting.
- If you're sensitive to raw garlic, try roasting it to mellow its flavor and make it easier to digest.
GAYA Tracking Tip
When logging garlic, estimate by the number of cloves used, or for minced garlic, by teaspoons. GAYA can recognize whole cloves or minced garlic in dishes, but be specific about quantities for accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in a single clove of garlic?+
A single clove of garlic (about 3 grams) contains approximately 4.5 calories. It's very low in calories, making it a great flavor enhancer without significantly impacting your caloric intake.
Is garlic good for weight loss?+
While garlic itself isn't a magic weight loss food, its low-calorie, high-flavor profile can support weight management. Using garlic to season food can reduce the need for higher-calorie ingredients like butter or excessive oil.
Does cooking garlic reduce its nutritional benefits?+
Cooking garlic can slightly reduce the levels of some heat-sensitive compounds, like allicin. However, many beneficial compounds remain, and some studies suggest that crushing or mincing garlic and letting it sit for a few minutes before cooking can help preserve its health properties.
Related Foods
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