Garlic, Chives And Scallions
Allium Sphaerocephalon, Tuberosum & Fistulosum
lyrics
Geeze!
The Chinese,
Have been eating these,
Prior to 3,000 B.C.,
That’s way before me.
Organosulfur,
Will you go so far,
As to protect me,
How soon,
Can I be immune?
Instantly?
I confess,
I’m not that Herculean,
I surrender,
Can you render,
The carcinogen,
Harmless?
What about that ole’ wives’ tale?
I don’t wanna expire,
Due to some vampire,
Do you still,
Have the will,
To fight off evil?
Or, is the devil,
In the detail?
Allium,
Here I am!
Onion,
I prefer the green,
If you know what I mean,
When I’m going through,
Phytochemical withdrawal,
Then, the onion family,
Does me,
Nicely.
(And, they’ll do it for you, too.
So, go ahead and have one –
Onion.)
NOTES
From Reuters Health
Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals is simply a word that means plant chemicals. Hundreds of phytochemicals are currently being studied. Many are believed to have a major positive impact on human health. Some contribute to the bright and vivid colors found in fruits and vegetables. The results of studies on specific phytochemicals are not necessarily applicable to the vegetables or fruits that harbor small concentrations of these chemicals. Nevertheless, it is obvious that vegetables and fruits are healthful, which is probably due to some balance of phytochemicals, carotenoids, vitamins, fibers, and minerals rather than any single substance. It should be stressed that very little has been proven concerning the benefits of phytochemical supplements sold in health food stores. Furthermore, high concentrations of some of these chemicals may behave like drugs and can be toxic and possibly even contribute to cancer cell growth.
Organosulfur Compounds
Organosulfurs are part of the allium family of phytochemicals. Compounds, such as allicin, may have benefits on the immune system, assist the liver in rendering carcinogens harmless, and reduce production of cholesterol in the liver. These compounds are found in garlic, leeks, onions, chives, scallions, and shallots.
From Northfields Upper School, UK
Garlic
Allium sativum, with an onion-like smell and pungent taste. Its powerful smell has given it a reputation around the world as a char against evil characters such as vampires, the evil eye, witches, the devil and evil spirits. Frequently hung on the person or abode for this purpose. Medicinally used against any disease, particularly those such as plague and malaria that were thought to be transmitted in the air. In areas of India, (there is a belief that) the colour of garlic can eradicate the presence of evil spirits.
From Stanford University
And don’t forget the garlic (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MV064) It may not keep werewolves and vampires away, but it may help “keep the doctor away.”
From Me
If you don’t want your breath to have a pungent reputation, you might want to have some parsley for dessert. Also to be remembered — the greens tend to have much less odor than the bulbs, are filled with chlorophyll and other good stuff. So, you might want to start there?