Garlic-Infused Olive Oil Recipe for Bone and Joint Health
Ingredients:
- 5–6 fresh garlic cloves
- ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil (high-quality)
Preparation:
- Peel the Garlic: Start by peeling 5–6 fresh garlic cloves. Crushing them will help release the allicin, the active compound responsible for many of garlic’s health benefits.
- Crush the Garlic: Use the flat side of a knife to gently crush the garlic cloves. This will activate the compounds that are beneficial to your joints.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a small pan, pour ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Heat the olive oil over low heat, making sure it doesn’t get too hot. You want the oil to gently warm, not boil or smoke.
- Add the Garlic: Once the oil is warm (but not smoking), add the crushed garlic cloves to the pan. Let it cook gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as this can diminish its health benefits.
- Cool and Strain: After 1–2 minutes, remove the oil from the heat and allow it to cool. Once it’s cool enough to handle, strain out the garlic pieces using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, and store the infused oil in a sealed jar or bottle.
- Store the Oil: Store the garlic-infused olive oil in a cool, dark place. You can refrigerate it to extend its shelf life.
How to Use:
- As a Topping: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic-infused olive oil to soups, salads, roasted vegetables, or pasta dishes for a burst of flavor and joint-supporting benefits.
- For Cooking: You can also use this oil for sautéing or drizzling over roasted meats and vegetables.
- In Smoothies: Add a small amount of garlic-infused olive oil to your morning smoothies for a subtle health boost.
Tips:
- Daily Consumption: To reap the full benefits, try incorporating a small amount of this garlic-infused olive oil into your meals daily.
- Enhance the Recipe: You can experiment with adding other herbs like rosemary or thyme to the oil to enhance its flavor and joint-supporting properties.
Why This Works:
- Garlic: Its allicin content helps reduce inflammation and supports collagen production, which is vital for bone and joint health.
- Olive Oil: Rich in oleic acid and vitamin E, olive oil helps to reduce joint stiffness and supports bone density, helping you feel more agile and mobile.
Incorporate this delicious and simple remedy into your daily routine, and you’ll be on your way to stronger bones and joints naturally!
Enjoy!