The benefits of raw garlic have a lot. Raw garlic retains higher amounts of allicin, a beneficial sulfur-containing compound. Garlic has been shown to improve immunity, stabilize blood sugar levels, and support heart and brain health. Here we are going to discuss the benefits of raw garlic.
Benefits of Raw Garlic
Medicinal properties
Garlic has been used throughout ancient history for its health benefits and medicinal properties. The health benefits are a result of the sulfur compounds formed when a garlic clove is chopped, crushed, or chewed. It has been used to treat several common illnesses, such as common colds.
High nutrition value and low in calories
Garlic is highly nutritious, containing several essential nutrients, and is low in calories. One clove of raw garlic contains manganese, Vitamin C, selenium, and small amounts of fiber, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, and potassium.
Boosts immune system
Garlic has been found to boost the function of the immune system, reducing the occurrence and intensity of common ailments like the flu and other systemic or skin infections.
Reduces blood pressure
Active compounds in garlic can reduce blood pressure (hypertension), reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attacks and strokes.
Reduces blood sugar
Garlic reduces pre-meal blood sugar level fluctuations in people with or without diabetes. It is effective in diabetic patients especially if it is taken for more than 3 months.
Reduces cholesterol levels
Garlic can lower the levels of cholesterol, which reduces the risk of heart disease.
Rich in antioxidants
Antioxidants reduce oxidative damage in the body tissue, which slows the process of aging and protects the body. The antioxidants in garlic combined with its benefits on blood pressure and cholesterol protect the heart and brain. It reduces the risk of brain diseases like dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Improves physical performance
Garlic can reduce fatigue, improving athletic performance, and physical capacity. It was used in ancient times to improve the physical performance of laborers and improve athletic performance in Olympic athletes in ancient Greece.
Detoxification of heavy metals in the body
At high doses, garlic has been found to protect against the organs from heavy metal toxicity due to sulfur compounds.
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.
Benefits of eating raw garlic in empty stomach
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 are exposed and cannot defend themselves from succumbing to its power.
Controlling hypertension
Many people who suffer from hypertension have found that garlic helps relieve some symptoms.
Good for the gut
It aids in the proper functioning of the liver and bladder and is effective for stomach problems like diarrhea. It stimulates digestion and appetite. It also helps control stress, which prevents stomach acid that is usually produced when you get nervous.
Detoxifies the body
Garlic is considered to be one of the most powerful foods to help detoxify the body in alternative medicine. Experts in this branch of medicine insist that garlic is so powerful that it can get rid of parasites and worms, and prevent diseases like typhus, diabetes, depression, and some types of cancer.
Respiration
Garlic is believed to work wonders in preventing and curing tuberculosis, pneumonia, catarrhs, bronchitis, chronic bronchial catarrhs, lung congestion, asthma, and whooping cough.
1-Teaspoon Raw Garlic Nutrition
- Calories: 4
- Protein: 0.18 grams (g)
- Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 0.93g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Natural sugars: 0.03g
- Calcium: 5 milligrams (mg)
- Iron: 0.05mg (0.03 percent daily value, or DV)
- Magnesium: 1mg
- Potassium: 11mg
- Vitamin C: 0.9mg (0.02 percent DV)
Raw garlic is also thought to be a source of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and enzymes, which can help your body build muscles and protect your gut health, respectively.
Raw Garlic Side Effects
It can cause side effects such as bad breath, heartburn, gas, and diarrhea. These side effects are often worse with raw garlic. Garlic might also increase the risk of bleeding and cause allergic reactions in some people.
FAQ
Is it safe to eat raw garlic?
Garlic is usually consumed cooked but can be eaten raw, which is even better because the raw form preserves all its beneficial nutrients. Most of the benefits of raw garlic come from an enzyme called allicinAllicin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antibacterial, and anticancer properties.
How much raw garlic should I eat a day?
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.
Can I eat raw garlic at night?
A fresh clove of garlic placed beneath a pillow is believed to bestow a calming effect on the nervous system, thanks to the sulphurous compounds which are released from the garlic. Of course, the garlicky scent may take some getting used to, but it's surely worth it for a good night's sleep!
