Kompas.com – Garlic is a popular food used in various dishes because of its distinctive taste and health benefits.
Although generally cooked before consumption, garlic can also be eaten raw. However, is raw garlic safe to consume?
Garlic is usually cooked or processed into powder before being added to the dish. This cooking process changes the taste and texture of garlic, making it softer and has a lighter aroma.
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However, raw garlic can also be consumed safely and often used in various sauces, such as Aioli or Pesto.
Interestingly, raw garlic maintains more useful compounds than cooked garlic, so that it can provide maximum health benefits.
Health benefits of raw garlic
Garlic contains allicin, sulfur compounds that cause the aroma and distinctive taste of garlic, as well as various health benefits.
Allicin is formed when fresh garlic is crushed or chopped. Some health benefits of raw garlic include:
Increase immunity
Garlic can help reduce inflammation and improve the function of the immune system thanks to the content of antioxidants and sulfur compounds such as allicin.
Maintain heart health
Some studies have shown that garlic can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thus supporting heart health.
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Stabilize blood sugar levels
Consumption of garlic can help reduce blood sugar levels of fasting and improve blood sugar management, which is beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
Protect brain health
Studies in animals show that consumption of fresh garlic or dark garlic extracts can improve memory and support brain health.
The risk of consumption of raw garlic
Although it has many health benefits, consumption of raw garlic also has several risk potential, including:
Illustration of garlic, spices that have the potential to reduce triglycerides
Not strong with the taste and aroma
Raw garlic has a stronger taste and aroma than cooked garlic, which may not be liked by some people.
Irritation of the digestive tract
Compounds in raw garlic can irritate the digestive tract and cause a burning sensation in the abdomen or chest, especially for people with GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) or stomach acid.
Increase the risk of bleeding
Garlic can prevent the formation of blood clots, which are at risk of increasing bleeding, especially for those who take blood -thinning drugs.
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How many garlic should be consumed?
There is no official dose that is recommended for consumption of garlic. However, research shows that consuming about 1-2 cloves of raw garlic per day can provide health benefits.
In the form of supplements, a dose of up to 3,600 milligrams (mg) of dark garlic extract per day has been proven effective.
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If you experience side effects after consuming raw garlic, consider reducing the amount or replacing it with cooked garlic.
If you take certain drugs or have certain health conditions, you should consult a doctor before adding raw garlic into your diet.
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