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stroke recoveryWritten ByPartha Nandi, MD

People in Asia have used raw black garlic both in recipes and for its health benefits for a long time. The black bulb happens due to fermenting raw garlic through prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Black garlic has a sweet and mellow flavor with an inky hue.

Here are the different health benefits of black garlic.

Black Garlic Helps to Lower Cholesterol

Recent studies have found that raw black garlic is an excellent way to lower bad cholesterol LDL cholesterol. Lowering LDL is essential to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and premature death. The compound S-allyl cysteine, a natural component of fresh garlic and a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, was found in much greater concentrations in raw black garlic. One study found that participants who took raw black garlic extract daily for three months increased their good cholesterol while significantly lowering their LDL. Lower levels of protein B in the blood lipids indicate a reduced risk of heart disease.

Black Garlic Protects Against Diseases

Garlic is well-known for its antioxidant benefits, but new research shows that raw black garlic contains two times more antioxidant activity than white garlic. These antioxidants protect the cells from disease and may slow down the aging process. Studies are being conducted to determine how effective raw black garlic is at battling chronic disease. Researchers believe that the high antioxidants offer protection to the free radicals that cause the damage. Free radicals damage the cells and help cause heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and other chronic diseases.

Black Garlic Contains Vitamins and Other Nutrients

Raw black garlic has allicin, which is the compound that makes garlic good for you, but it also has 30 times less S-allyl-cysteine, which can be bad for you if you eat a lot of it. Research has found that people can eat raw black garlic with no real side effects. Black garlic contains phosphorous, which helps build strong bones and teeth, facilitate nerve conduction, and filter out waste in kidneys, and other functions. Researchers have found that black garlic contains vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, selenium, and vitamins B-6 and C.
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Black Garlic May Help Diabetics

Black garlic has been found in studies to regulate blood sugar levels. It may potentially decrease the effects of some diabetic complications. In a study of diabetic rats, raw black garlic improved the rodents’ general health by lowering atherosclerosis and kidney issues. When fed the garlic, the rats had lower blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Compared to the control group of rats, levels ranged from 30 to 50 percent. Another study on humans found that garlic, when eaten by type 2 diabetic patients, saw improved blood cholesterol levels. LDL was lower, and HDL was higher in those who ate a placebo than those who ate the same.

support diabetic health with black garlic

Black Garlic May Protect Brain Health

Black garlic may protect brain health due to its nutritional content. This type of garlic is rich in compounds like allicin, which have been shown to promote cognitive function and protect against age-related mental decline. Additionally, black garlic contains high levels of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Some research has even suggested that black garlic may help to improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. While more studies are needed to confirm these effects, there is evidence that black garlic may be a valuable tool for protecting brain health.

Black Garlic May Improve Live Health

One of black garlic’s benefits is that it may improve liver health. The antioxidants in black garlic can help protect the liver from damage and disease. Additionally, some studies have found that black garlic may help reduce the build-up of fat in the liver. It can be helpful for those who are at risk of developing fatty liver disease. Moreover, black garlic may help improve enzymes’ function in the liver. These enzymes are essential for detoxification and metabolism.

Black Garlic May Have Anti-Cancer Properties

Black garlic may also have anti-cancer properties. It is due to the high levels of antioxidants present in black garlic, which can help to protect cells from damage and prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Additionally, black garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been shown to have anti-tumor effects. Some studies have even found that black garlic may help reduce tumors’ size. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

How to Use Black Garlic

Black garlic is a flavorful, aged variant of traditional garlic with a deep, rich flavor. It can be used in various dishes, from salads to salad dressings, and its unique taste is sure to please any garlic lover. When using black garlic, add it towards the end of cooking so that its flavor is not overwhelmed by other ingredients. Black garlic is a versatile ingredient that can add depth and flavor to any dish.

Side Effects of Black Garlic

Black garlic is safe for most people but may cause some side effects if consumed. Black garlic may cause heartburn, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Garlic may also increase the risk of bleeding. Black garlic is thought to be safe if eaten in amounts typically found in food. Still, it may be dangerous if used in medicinal amounts.
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Healthy Black Garlic Tomato Sauce

Try Dr. Nandi’s Black Garlic Tomato Sauce

You’ll love Dr. Nandi’s Black Garlic Tomato Sauce! Add it to Zucchini noodles for a meal fit for a Health Hero!
Go get the recipe.
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References:

  1. Physicochemical Properties, Biological Activity, Health Benefits, and General Limitations of Aged Black Garlic: A Review – PMC (nih.gov)
  2. Black Garlic and Its Therapeutic Benefits | IntechOpen
  3. Black Garlic: Health Benefits, Nutrients per Serving, Preparation Information, and More (webmd.com)
  4. 4 Health Benefits of Black Garlic – Cleveland Clinic
  5. 6 Black Garlic Benefits That Stand To Improve Your Health | Well+Good (wellandgood.com)
  6. Black Garlic North Americaβ„’ – Black Garlic Health Benefits (blackgarlicna.com)
  7. Physicochemical Properties, Biological Activity, Health Benefits, and General Limitations of Aged Black Garlic: A Review – PubMed (nih.gov)
  8. Black Garlic and Its Bioactive Compounds on Human Health Diseases: A Review – PMC (nih.gov)

About the author

Partha Nandi, MD

Partha Nandi M.D., F.A.C.P. is the creator and host of the internationally syndicated medical lifestyle television show, Ask Dr. Nandi.

A practicing physician and a renowned international speaker, his appearances include TEDx, college commencements, numerous charity functions, premier medical meetings such as Digestive Disease Week, and nationally syndicated television programs such as The Katie Couric Show.

Dr. Nandi has partnered with the Ministry of Health in multiple countries, including Jamaica and India, and has collaborated with The World Health Organization in multiple areas throughout the globe, Dr. Nandi delivers passionate and inspiring talks to diverse audiences.

He continues to travel internationally for conferences and symposia, meeting with global health leaders on his quest to improve health care quality, access, and to empower people across the world β€œTo Be Your Own Health Hero.”

DrNandi@AskDrNandi.com

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