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Garlic is not just a spice that adds flavour and aroma to your food. Its powerful nutritional properties can help prevent several chronic health conditions and improve your overall health. Even more than the cooked form, raw garlic can do wonders for your health, from lowering cholesterol and blood pressure to improving digestive health. Raw garlic contains an enzyme called allicin that has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-cancer properties. Chewing raw garlic can release sulphur-rich compounds which in turn provide a variety of benefits. (Also read: Delicious Dishes to Make Using Garlic; Read Recipes)
According to a study, after chewing garlic, participants experienced a 5%, 8% reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Similarly, cholesterol and triglyceride decreased by 4-10%. Chewing or crushing garlic can reduce cholesterol, triglyceride, MDA, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, even when fat intake is increased. On the other hand, swallowing garlic has no significant effect on serum lipids (TG, Cholesterol, LDL and HDL), diastolic blood pressure and BUN, Cr and cyclosporine serum levels.
How many raw garlic cloves can you eat?
1-2 cloves of garlic are ideal to reap its many benefits. Eating more than the recommended amount can cause acidity, heartburn or bleeding.
A clove of raw garlic is rich in 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 many health benefits.
Here are six impressive benefits as explained by dietitian Rashi Tantiya, Head of Dietetics Department, Metro Hospital, Faridabad.
1. Boosts Immunity: Raw garlic is rich in antioxidants and sulfur-containing compounds, which help strengthen the immune system. Regular consumption can help prevent infections and diseases.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Garlic contains anti-inflammatory compounds such as diallyl disulfide, which may help reduce inflammation in the body, and ease symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
3. Improves heart health: Garlic is known to improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol levels and preventing hardening of the arteries. These benefits collectively reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Detoxifies the body: The sulfur compounds present in garlic help flush out heavy metals from the body. It improves liver functioning and helps cleanse toxins from the body, thereby promoting overall health.
5. Improves Digestive Health: Eating garlic on an empty stomach improves digestion and improves gut health. It promotes the production of digestive enzymes and has antimicrobial properties that can help balance the gut flora.
6. Antimicrobial and antiviral effects: Garlic has powerful antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Chewing raw garlic can help fight pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, reducing the risk of infection and promoting oral health.
While these benefits are significant, it is important to note that consuming large amounts of raw garlic may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other side effects for some people. It is always best to consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your diet or health regime.
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