We have received questions related to black garlic, what it is for, benefits and contraindications. In that sense, we will explain these aspects.
Black garlic is produced by allowing normal garlic to age at temperatures between 140 and 170 degrees Celsius for a period of three to four weeks. This allows it to go through the Maillard reaction, a chemical process that occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars.
This reaction provides a dark color, chewy texture, and distinct flavor and aroma from garlic, but it also further increases the nutritional value of that superfood.
Next, we will analyze in detail its health benefits:
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Black garlic benefits
Rich in Antioxidants: Antioxidants are compounds that can have a powerful effect on health. They work by neutralizing harmful free radicals to prevent oxidative stress and cell damage. Not only that, but research shows that antioxidants may reduce the risk of developing certain types of chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Garlic is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, but some studies show that black garlic may contain even more. According to a South Korean study, allowing garlic to age for a period of 35 days to form black garlic causes a significant increase in antioxidant content, reaching peak antioxidant levels on the 21st day of aging.
Fight Cancer Growth: The antioxidants found in black garlic may have a number of beneficial health effects, especially when it comes to preventing the development of chronic problems such as cancer. These antioxidants help block the buildup of free radicals to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
A 2014 in vitro study showed that aged black garlic extract was able to kill and reduce the growth of garlic cells. colon cancer.
Similarly, another study reported that aged black garlic extract also decreased the growth and spread of leukemia cells. Although human research is limited, other animal studies suggest that black garlic may also have therapeutic effects in lung cancer and stomach cancer. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, since garlic and other herbs are among the top cancer-fighting foods.
Increases Heart Health: One of the best-known benefits of garlic is its ability to protect and improve the health of your heart. Black garlic may also improve heart health, with some studies showing that it may be just as effective as raw garlic.
A 2018 animal study compared the effects of black garlic and raw garlic on the recovery of heart health after damage caused by ischemia, or lack of blood supply to the heart muscles.
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Interestingly, the researchers found that both raw garlic and black garlic exhibited cardio-protective effects and were equally effective in minimizing damage to the heart. Another animal model in Korea also showed that black garlic was able to lower elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Preserves Cognitive Function: Like regular garlic, black garlic can have a far-reaching effect on brain health. Because it is rich in antioxidants, it can alleviate inflammation and can help prevent cognitive problems such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression. Parkinson’s disease.
A recent animal study published in a peer-reviewed journal showed that aged garlic extract improved memory in cognitively weakened rats, as well as helping to decrease inflammation in the brain as well. Another animal study out of Indonesia also found that black garlic protected against oxidative stress and prevented memory compromise after administration of monosodium glutamate or MSG in rats.
Stabilizes Blood Sugar: Maintaining high blood sugar levels can come with a host of negative health effects. In the short term, it can cause diabetic symptoms such as frequent urination and fatigue. In the long term, it can even cause kidney dysfunction, skin infections, and increased risk of heart disease.
Adding black garlic to a healthy, balanced diet is a simple way to help maintain normal blood sugar levels. The aforementioned animal study showed that black garlic extract was not only effective in reducing levels of cholesterol in blood and triglycerides in mice fed a high-fat diet, but it was also able to lower blood sugar levels.
Meanwhile, an animal study reported that the high levels of antioxidants in black garlic may also be helpful in preventing diabetes complications.
Boost Immunity: Your immune system plays a crucial role in your bodily health. She wards off diseases and infections and can even prevent chronic diseases as well. The antioxidants found in black garlic boost immunity by fighting free radicals, reducing inflammation, and preventing oxidative damage to your cells.
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A 2012 in vitro study evaluated the differences between black and raw garlic and their individual effects on immune function. Black garlic not only had the strongest anti-cancer and antioxidant properties, but also had the most powerful effect in boosting immunity.
These benefits of immune booster they can have far-reaching effects on various aspects of health and can help treat everything from allergies to autoimmune diseases and acute infections.
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Contraindications and side effects
Although black garlic is generally considered safe to consume, there are some side effects that need to be considered. Like regular garlic, it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause symptoms such as heartburn, gas, nausea, diarrhea, and body odor, especially when consumed in large amounts. If you notice these or other adverse side effects after consuming fresh garlic, consider cutting back on your use and checking to see if symptoms persist.
Some people may also experience food allergy symptoms after consuming garlic. Some of the more commonly reported side effects include asthma, runny nose or skin problems such as dermatitis. If you think you may have an allergy to garlic, you should discontinue use and speak to a trusted health professional.
Black garlic can also lower blood pressure and increase the risk of bleeding. If you are taking blood thinners or high blood pressure medications, it is best to keep your intake in moderation to avoid interfering with your medications.
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