Yes, eating garlic on an empty stomach does provide health benefits.
Garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It is believed to have numerous health benefits. Some of the proven health benefits of garlic include:
- Boosting Immune System: Garlic contains compounds that enhance immune function and help the body fight off infections and diseases.
- Lowering Blood Pressure: Several studies have found that garlic supplements can help lower blood pressure levels in people with hypertension.
- Reducing Cholesterol Levels: Garlic has been shown to have a modest effect on reducing total cholesterol levels, particularly in people with high cholesterol.
- Fighting Infections: Garlic has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can help prevent and treat a variety of infections.
- Improving Heart Health: Garlic has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, as it can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels.
Key Compounds Found in GARLIC:
Garlic contains a variety of compounds that have medicinal properties.
- Allicin: This is a sulfur-containing compound that is produced when garlic is crushed or chopped. So it’s better to crush garlic and keep it out for few seconds before gulping it down with water. It has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and also helps to reduce cholesterol levels.
- Sulfur compounds: Garlic contains a number of other sulfur-containing compounds, including diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide. These compounds also have antibacterial and antifungal properties and help to boost the immune system.
- Flavonoids: Garlic contains several flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds have antioxidant properties and help to reduce inflammation.
- Vitamins and minerals: Garlic is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, selenium, and manganese. These nutrients may help to support overall health and wellbeing.
How To Consume it:
Eating raw garlic early morning can be challenging for some people due to its strong taste and smell. Here are some tips on how to consume raw garlic in the morning:
- Start with a small amount: Begin with one or two cloves of garlic and gradually increase the amount over time as your taste buds adjust to the strong flavor.
- Crush or chop the garlic: To release the beneficial compounds in garlic, crush or chop the cloves before eating them. You can use a garlic press, a knife, or a mortar and pestle to do this.
- Mix it with honey: Honey can help mask the strong taste of garlic. Mix crushed garlic with a teaspoon of honey and swallow it with water. But if you have diabetes or insulin resistance, please avoid doing it.
- Mix it with yogurt: Mixing crushed garlic with plain yogurt can also help to reduce the strong taste of garlic. The probiotics in yogurt may also provide additional health benefits.
- Take it with a meal: Eating raw garlic on an empty stomach may cause stomach upset in people with stomach issues at times. So It’s best to consume it with a meal , add it to green coriander chutney and enjoy its medicinal benefits.
- Drink water after eating: Drinking water after consuming raw garlic can help to wash away any residue in your mouth and reduce bad breath.
Various compounds and nutrients make garlic a popular ingredient in traditional medicine, with many people using it to treat a variety of health conditions. However, It is important to note that while garlic may have health benefits, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Raw garlic may also interact with certain medications, so if you’re taking any prescription medication, so it is important to talk to your Nutritionist and healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet or taking supplements.