Although raw garlic tends to have a stronger, more pungent flavor, it can be consumed safely and makes a great addition to many dishes. In fact, raw garlic is often added to dips, dressings, and sauces like aioli or pesto.
Raw garlic contains a component called Allicin, which helps in thinning the blood and reduces the cholesterol levels. Thus, the best way to consume garlic is by eating raw garlic on an empty stomach as the fresh garlic contains Allicin and this component gets diluted during the process of cooking.
We conclude that undamaged garlic (swallowed) had no lowering effect on lipid level of serum. But Crushed garlic (chewed) reduces cholesterol, triglyceride, MDA and blood pressure.
Chop one garlic clove into 3-4 pieces and place it on a spoon. Drizzle a few drops of honey on the spoon and let it sit aside for two minutes. Now just have it and chew the garlic properly and gulp it down. You can also drink 2-3 sips of warm water with it if the flavour of garlic seems a bit overwhelming to you.
You shouldn't add too much garlic to your diet, too quickly. "One to two cloves a day should be the maximum consumed by anyone," says Tracey Brigman, a food and nutrition expert at the University of Georgia. Eating more than that may cause upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, or bad breath.
The bottom line. Although raw garlic has a stronger flavor and more pungent smell than cooked garlic, it's safe to consume. Raw garlic also retains more allicin, which is the sulfur-containing compound responsible for many of garlic's beneficial health effects.
Garlic may increase longevity: Garlic can benefit the heart, brain, and other organs. It reduces risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and heavy metal toxicity, which can help people live longer. Garlic is also a rich source of antioxidants and nutrients, and it boosts the immune system as well.
How much should you eat? Although no official recommendations exist for how much garlic you should eat, studies show that eating 1–2 cloves (3–6 grams) per day may have health benefits ( 1 ). If you notice any side effects after eating more than this amount, consider reducing your intake.
03/11Diarrhea
Consuming garlic on an empty stomach can cause diarrhea. Garlic has gas-forming compounds like sulfur that plays an important role in triggering diarrhea.
As per the study published in the Journal of Nutrition, garlic is linked with burning fat. It also has detoxifying properties, which helps in flushing out the toxins from the body, which hinder digestion and thus weight loss.
How long do you need to take garlic extract to start experiencing its benefits? Since some of the beneficial compounds in garlic extract are fat-soluble, it may take 1-2 weeks for this substance to deliver noticeable effects.
Studies have shown that raw garlic is necessary in high doses, about 5-28 cloves per person, per day, to feel the health benefits (1). Whereas garlic supplement dosage is much lower and offers many other benefits.
According to Lutzi, you can still get the health benefits of eating garlic if you swallow it whole. She recommends cutting the clove into four small pieces and swallowing it whole like a pill to avoid the pungent effect of chewing it.
Garlic is a popular ingredient that has been linked to a long list of health benefits. According to some studies, garlic could help fight inflammation, reduce cholesterol levels, and protect against chronic disease ( 1 ).
Studies have shown that garlic if eaten on an empty stomach acts as a powerful antibiotic. It is more effective when you eat it before breakfast because bacteria is exposed and cannot defend itself from succumbing to its power. Many people who suffer from hypertension have found that garlic helps relieve some symptoms.
Because garlic can make blood less likely to clot, you should stop eating it 7 to 10 days before any surgery you have planned. Avoid garlic if you're already taking an anticoagulant, such as Coumadin (warfarin) or Heparin, because the blood-thinning action of the medication may be increased.
Therefore, the present study suggests that garlic with high dose has the potential ability to induce liver damage and low doses (0.1 or 0.25 g / kg body weight/day) are safe doses of garlic.
Side effects include breath and body odor, heartburn, and upset stomach. These side effects can be more noticeable with raw garlic. Some people have allergic reactions to garlic. Taking garlic supplements may increase the risk of bleeding.
Garlic is known to be a blood thinner due its anti-platelet properties. Ajoene, a sulphur containing derivative of garlic, irreversibly inhibits platelet aggregation,2, potentiating anticoagulants such as aspirin, warfarin, dipyrimadole and clopidogrel.
With its antiviral and antimicrobial properties, this spice protects against infections, flu and colds. It improves your body's natural defenses, leading to a stronger immune system and better overall health. The World Health Organization recommends eating about one clove of fresh garlic daily.
Some studies have shown that garlic and garlic supplements may have positive effects on heart health by preventing cell damage, regulating cholesterol and lowering blood pressure. Other research shows that garlic supplements may also reduce plaque buildup in the arteries.
An intake of the half to one clove of garlic per day lowers cholesterol levels approximately 10%.
The main culprit in causing indigestion from garlic is the small sprout in the middle of each clove. Simply cutting the garlic clove in half lengthways and extracting the sprout before using will not only make it easier to digest but will also remove any traces of bitterness from the germ.
Garlic is popularly believed to be useful for the common cold. This belief is based on traditional use and some laboratory evidence that garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. On average, adults have two to four common colds per year.
You can purchase garlic concentrate or extract at your local health food store. You may also be able to make your own by soaking a few garlic cloves in olive oil. Garlic is generally safe to ingest, but large doses might cause internal bleeding. Up to two cloves per day is considered an acceptable dosage.