Raw garlic tops the list of small but healthy foods (apple cider vinegar, onions, tuna). Aside from the obvious concerns (can you say garlic breath and B.O.?), it’s not something you often hear about being good for you. The best way to reap the benefits of garlic is to eat it raw.
Ariana Lutzi, a naturopath and nutritional consultant at Bubs Naturals, says garlic is one of the most accessible health foods. “Garlic is packed with nutrients and adds a tangy flavor to any dish. It’s most potent when eaten raw,” she says.
Is it safe to eat raw garlic?
Lutzi says the benefits of raw garlic include boosting nutrition and kicking bad infections. “Garlic fights all kinds of infections – fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses – regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure and lowers cholesterol.” Studies have shown that the optimal amount to consume per day is one to two cloves of garlic for maximum benefit without any unwanted side effects (body odor, heartburn). Honestly, who knew all these benefits could be packed into such a small (and smelly) plant?
Health benefits of raw garlic
Alejandro Junger, MD, founder of The Clean Program, endorsed by celebrities such as Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow, encourages people to eat a clove of raw garlic daily while on the cleanse. “[Raw garlic] not only kills bad bacteria, yeast, and parasites, but it can help regulate blood sugar, burn fat, reduce hunger, lower cholesterol, relieve joint pain, and reduce intestinal gas,” Dr. Junger in his book Pure.
Here are some other health benefits of vegetables:
- Garlic is good for your brain
One of the benefits of raw garlic is that it is full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, vitamin C, iron, potassium, and copper. This powerful combination is especially good for cognitive function: vitamin B6 and magnesium improve mood and improve brain health. - Supports a healthy immune system
Raw garlic contains vitamin C. Add some raw garlic to your diet for an immune boost that tastes better than an orange. - Anti-inflammatory
Research has shown that garlic contains anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting allyl sulfide, which slows the growth of cancer cells. It is anti-inflammatory and helps protect the body from free radicals. - Good for the liver
Studies have shown that it protects the liver from certain toxins and helps lower blood sugar levels. It helps your body flush out toxins more effectively, which is good for the body as a whole. - Garlic is good for your heart
According to Vicki Petersen, a chiropractor and clinical nutritionist, CCN, DC, CFMP, regular consumption of garlic is directly linked to cardiovascular health benefits. “Garlic has long been known to lower cholesterol and normalize blood pressure,” he said. “Additionally, the anti-inflammatory effects are significant in reducing our risk of heart disease, our number one killer.”