Can You Eat Garlic Raw?

Scientifically known as Allium sativum, the garlic plant is a member of the family Liliaceae along with other vegetables such as chives.

Garlic is native to Central Asia and has long been a common seasoning worldwide, with a history of use in cuisines ranging from Chinese to Italian.

It has been used for thousands of years as a culinary ingredient. It has even been referred to in ancient Greek texts such as the Odyssey.

Over the centuries, garlic has also been used for its medicinal properties.

The average height of a garlic plant is 2 feet.

The long leaves may grow from a short, hard stem just above the bulb or a soft shoot composed of layered leaf sheaths.

The garlic bulb is the most widely used part of the plant and consists of individual cloves covered by a white, papery skin.

Cloves are little, edible bulblets within the bulb, covered by thin, membranous skin.

The cloves are joined together, and the bulb can range from a small marble to a tennis ball.

The garlic cloves are arranged in concentric circles inside the papery skin, making them easy to pull apart and use.

You can plant each clove in the ground, and it will eventually grow into a full-sized garlic bulb.

These cloves can be used to flavor various dishes, as they have a strong and pungent taste.

You can eat garlic cooked or raw; when consumed raw, it can have more potent effects on the body as the flavor is more intense.

Side Effects of Eating Raw Garlic Everyday

When consumed in excess, raw garlic can upset the stomach and disrupt the flora of the digestive tract, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.

It has been reported that using raw garlic on the skin might cause allergic rashes, burning, and sores.

Many people could find raw garlic unpleasant because it has an even more intense flavor and aroma than cooked garlic. Furthermore, eating raw garlic can also lead to bad breath and bloating.

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should also limit how much garlic they eat to avoid heartburn.

Raw garlic contains chemicals that may irritate the digestive tract and lead to heartburn and stomach pain. Garlic may also cause more bleeding because it stops blood from clotting.

Most healthy adults can safely consume small amounts of raw garlic in moderation. Still, those who are on blood thinners should see their physicians before consuming significant quantities of raw garlic.

Swallowing Garlic Without Chewing Benefits

Swallowing garlic without chewing can be more dangerous than helpful. This is because eating garlic without chewing can increase the choking risk.

Chewing garlic thoroughly before swallowing can help to prevent choking, as it breaks down the garlic more, making it easier to swallow. Also, eating raw garlic without chewing has fewer benefits than eating it after chewing.

This is because chewing helps release allicin, the compound in garlic responsible for its health benefits.

Due to the strong taste of garlic, some people may get mouth ulcers when chewing it raw.

In such a case, it is better to chop the garlic into small pieces or crush it thoroughly with a spoon. Afterward, add the chopped garlic to salads or swallow the crushed garlic with water.

This is an easy way to consume garlic without compromising its health benefits.

Benefits of Eating Raw Garlic on Empty Stomach

Eating raw garlic on an empty stomach can provide numerous health benefits.

By consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach, you can gain powerful antioxidant benefits and help boost your immune system.

Raw garlic contains enzymes not found in cooked garlic; those enzymes help your body absorb all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

Some of the health benefits of eating raw garlic are as follows:

Antimicrobial Properties

Garlic has antifungal properties that can help reduce fungal and yeast infections.

It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties, which help protect the body from illnesses such as the common cold, flu, and other infections.

Eating raw garlic can also help boost the immune system, making it easier for the body to fight viruses and bacteria.

Cardiovascular Health

Garlic can also help promote cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation in the blood vessels, reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increasing the elasticity of blood vessels.

This helps reduce the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. Furthermore, garlic can help lower blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke.

Anticancer Properties

Garlic has also been linked to certain anticancer properties.

Studies have found that regular consumption of garlic may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including prostate, stomach, and colorectal cancer.

In addition, garlic may help protect against DNA damage and reduce oxidative stress, two mechanisms believed to be involved in cancer development.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Garlic effectively reduces fasting blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity, critical factors in managing diabetes.

Consuming garlic may be beneficial for those with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.

Furthermore, garlic may have beneficial effects on heart health, as it has been found to lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol levels.

Conclusion

Allium sativum, or garlic, belongs to the Liliaceae family. It originated in central Asia and has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for various illnesses.

It has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy, and recent studies suggest that consuming garlic may provide health benefits.

Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may contribute to its health benefits.

Studies suggest that regular consumption of garlic can help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain types of cancer.

However, eating raw garlic has some side effects as well. It can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and bad breath and may interact with certain medications.

Despite these potential side effects, garlic is considered a beneficial food for overall health.