Few mind-blowing benefits of chewing raw garlic on an empty stomach

Digital Desk: Garlic isn’t just a regular spice that lends flavor and taste to your meals. Its powerful nutritional profile can help prevent many chronic health conditions and boost your overall well-being. More than its cooked form, raw garlic works wonders for your health, from lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to improving digestive health. Raw garlic contains an enzyme called allicin, which possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. Chewing raw garlic unlocks sulfur-containing compounds, translating into a range of benefits.

According to a study, participants who chewed garlic experienced a decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure by 5% and 8%, respectively. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels were also reduced by 4-10%. Ingestion of garlic by chewing or crushing it can reduce cholesterol, triglycerides, malondialdehyde (MDA), and blood pressure, even with increasing fat intake. Conversely, swallowing garlic showed no significant effect on serum lipids (TG, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL), diastolic blood pressure, and other serum levels.

How Many Raw Garlic Cloves Can You Eat?

Consuming 1-2 garlic cloves is ideal for reaping its many benefits. Eating more than the recommended amount can lead to acidity, heartburn, or bleeding. One clove of raw garlic is packed with manganese, vitamin C, selenium, fiber, calcium, copper, phosphorus, iron, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, and potassium.

Benefits of Chewing Raw Garlic

Chewing raw garlic on an empty stomach can have numerous health benefits. Here are six impressive benefits:

1. Boosts Immunity: Raw garlic is rich in antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds, which help strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption can protect against infections and illnesses.

2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Garlic contains anti-inflammatory compounds like diallyl disulfide, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially alleviating symptoms of conditions like arthritis.

3. Improves Heart Health: Garlic improves cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, and preventing the hardening of arteries. These benefits collectively reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

4. Detoxifies the Body: The sulfur compounds in garlic help detoxify heavy metals from the body. It supports liver function and helps cleanse the body of toxins, promoting overall health.

5. Enhances Digestive Health: Consuming garlic on an empty stomach can stimulate digestion and improve gut health. It promotes the production of digestive enzymes and has antimicrobial properties that help balance gut flora.

6. Antimicrobial and Antiviral Effects: Garlic has potent antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Chewing raw garlic can help fight off pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, reducing the risk of infections and promoting oral health.

While these benefits are significant, consuming raw garlic in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects for some people. It's always best to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or health regimen.

Garlic is more than a culinary delight; it's a potent medicinal herb with a variety of health benefits. Including raw garlic in your daily routine could be a simple yet effective way to enhance your overall health.