Medical research links garlic to a number of health benefits. However, some studies have suggested that raw garlic may be more effective than the cooked version, while garlic supplements are the most effective.
Taking garlic by mouth daily for at least 8 weeks might reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad" cholesterol) in people with high cholesterol levels. But any benefit is probably small.
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.
Dosages generally recommended in the literature for adults are 4 g (one to two cloves) of raw garlic per day, one 300-mg dried garlic powder tablet (standardized to 1.3 percent alliin or 0.6 percent allicin yield) two to three times per day, or 7.2 g of aged garlic extract per day.
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 ).
Blood-thinning medications: Garlic may make the actions of blood-thinning medications including warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin stronger, increasing the risk of bleeding. Medications for HIV/AIDS: Garlic may lower blood levels of protease inhibitors, medications used to treat people with HIV.
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.
05/9Boosts immunity
Eating 4-5 garlic cloves in the morning can help to boost your immunity, which is essential now when we have entered the winter season. It contains compounds that help the immune system fight free radicals and disease-causing foreign pathogens.
Raw garlic activates alliinase, an enzyme that converts alliin into allicin. You should consume raw garlic within an hour or two of a meal to activate alliinase and achieve maximum benefits.
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 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.
Immune booster
Garlic on empty stomach can also help to maintain a good immune system. It helps in decreasing inflammation in the body. Allicin, which is present in garlic is considered to be the best agent to prevent heart diseases and cancer.
This combination of having raw garlic and water helps you detoxify your body. Garlic is a great alternative to detoxify your body. It clears your body of all the harmful toxins and prevents diseases like diabetes, depression, and different types of cancers too.
Garlic is highly nutritious and associated with a variety of health benefits. However, if you eat too much of it, it may cause side effects like bad breath, acid reflux, digestive issues, and an increased risk of bleeding.
For decades, fish oil has been the go-to for those looking to improve their cardiovascular health. But, according to a growing number of studies, Aged Garlic Extract (AGE) might be even better! While those are important heart-health benefits, AGE does all of that and more.
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.
Can garlic help you sleep? Amongst its other valuable nutrients, garlic contains zinc and high concentrations of sulfurous compounds like allicin, which naturally promote relaxation, helping you fall asleep faster.
As any sulfur-rich ingredient, onions and garlic are very heating. They aggravate Pitta on both physical and emotional levels. For someone suffering from acid reflux, ulcers, colitis, heartburn, intestinal inflammation, skin rashes or redness, etc. eating these two substances aggravates the aforementioned.
Of course you can touch your garlic, but it helps to tell if it's gone bad too. If the garlic is soft, when you squeeze it, toss it. Garlic should be firm and crisp.
How long does it take for garlic to lower cholesterol? Studies have shown that taking garlic for 8 weeks improves cholesterol levels. A dose of 6 g of garlic twice daily reduced total cholesterol levels over 4–12 weeks.
In double-blind studies with garlic, preparations provided a daily dose of at least 10 mg allicin. Blood pressure readings dropped with typical reductions of 11 mm Hg for the systolic and 5.0 in the diastolic. This occurred within a 1 to 3-month period.
Garlic supplements have shown effectiveness in reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients, similarly to first-line standard anti-hypertensive medications. Kyolic garlic has also shown promise in improving cardiovascular health by reducing arterial stiffness, elevated cholesterol levels and blood 'stickiness'.
Garlic may regulate heart rate
In animal studies, garlic has been found to have a “significant antiarrhythmic effect” (Banerjee, 2002), stabilizing irregular heartbeats.
6. GARLIC – One study found that daily consumption of garlic resulted in 50% decrease in stroke rate. Garlic is also a prebiotic and powerful antioxidant, meaning it's an indigestible fiber that promotes good bacteria growth in your gut!
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.