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.
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.
Garlic contains antioxidants that support the body's protective mechanisms against oxidative damage ( 19 ). High doses of garlic supplements have been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes in humans, as well as significantly reduce oxidative stress in people with high blood pressure ( 7 , 9 , 20 ).
Swallow the garlic with a full glass of water. Since garlic has its own pungent flavour, chewing into it, may get a bit too much for some. It is advisable to swallow a small chunk with water. Starting the day with lukewarm water can kick-start metabolism too.
It is safe to eat a clove of garlic a day after a meal. To avoid the bad breath associated with eating raw garlic, the garlic may be cut into small pieces and swallowed instead of chewing. Adding too much garlic while cooking can also result in bad breath.
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.
"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.
Garlic on empty stomach is very effective for preventing and curing different diseases. 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.
Garlic poses few safety issues and allergies are rare. If you take garlic supplements for cholesterol management, have your cholesterol levels checked after three months. The recommended daily amount of garlic ranges from ½-1 whole clove per day (around 3000-6000mcg of allicin).
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. If you have digestive problems, consume this spice along with other foods to prevent stomach upset.
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.
Eating a lot of fresh garlic may lead to heartburn, indigestion or gas. The active compounds of garlic may irritate your digestive tract resulting in a burning sensation in your upper abdomen or chest too. So, make sure you practice moderation.
Along with its benefits comes some adverse effects. The present case describes chemical burn of oral mucosa caused by crushed garlic. To relieve toothache, the patient placed crushed garlic cloves in the buccal vestibule overnight and developed garlic burn injury manifesting as slough and ulceration in that region.
Garlic, as many chagrined garlic-bread lovers have discovered, has surprising staying power. Twenty-four hours after eating the stuff, a pungent scent still lingers on the breath and even in the sweat.