look news india
New Delhi: According to religious scriptures, garlic is tamasic and should not be consumed. But in medical science and Ayurveda, it has been compared to a medicine. Garlic is considered very beneficial especially for heart health.
According to a report, garlic helps in treating cold and flu as well as reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Garlic contains vitamins C and B6, manganese and selenium, a type of antioxidant that is believed to be responsible for positive effects. But there is a type of garlic available in the market that contains a poisonous chemical mixture.
Poisonous garlic found in the markets
According to media reports, Chinese garlic, which was banned in 2014, is being sold illegally in India. The ban was imposed after reports of fungus-infected garlic being sold in the country. It is believed that smuggled garlic contains high levels of pesticides.
China does this to protect garlic from fungus.
A professor from Jadavpur University had earlier told TOI that Chinese garlic is treated with fungicides containing methyl bromide to prevent fungal growth for six months. Apart from this, it is bleached with harmful chlorine. This kills the insects in the garlic. Germination does not happen quickly and the buds look white and fresh.
What is methyl bromide fungicide?
Methyl bromide is a highly toxic, odorless, colorless gas used in agriculture and shipping to control a variety of pests including fungi, weeds, insects, nematodes (or roundworms). Its excessive use is extremely dangerous for health. According to the USEPA, exposure to methyl bromide can cause central nervous system and respiratory failure and damage to the lungs, eyes and skin. Not only this, there is also a risk of going into a coma.
When buying garlic, keep this in mind:
Chinese garlic cloves should be large in size. Blue and purple lines are visible on its bark. If you also buy such garlic, then correct your mistake immediately.