Eating raw garlic is good: here are all the benefits

Eating raw garlic provides many beneficial effects on our health: it helps to prevent cancer, it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, helping us to fight seasonal illnesses. Let's see why eating raw garlic is good.

Garlic is one of the most used foods to flavor our dishes. It is usually consumed cooked but, to preserve all its beneficial properties, it would be better to eat it raw. Most of its beneficial effects come from allicin, an enzyme contained in large quantities in raw garlic that gives it its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-tumor properties. Raw garlic also helps to keep pressure under control and it works like a natural antibiotic.

Raw garlic has really many benefits, but many people avoid eating it because they fear its effects on the breath. This problem can easily be overcome because there are several ways to eliminate the smell of garlic from the mouth, there are simple remedies like chewing a basil leaf or drinking lemon juice, and you can eat raw garlic without worries. Let's see what are all its benefits.

Benefits of raw garlic

Raw garlic prevents lung cancer: a research conducted in China has shown that eating raw garlic twice a week can reduce the risk of lung cancer by half. Those who regularly consume raw garlic are 44% less likely to get cancer, and this would also work on smokers, reducing the risk, in this case by 30%. Raw garlic would also prevent bowel cancer.

Raw garlic is a natural antibiotic: raw garlic is one of the most effective natural antibiotics, it helps fight viruses, bacteria and fungi thanks to the powerful allicin action which also gives it antibacterial properties.

Raw garlic is an antioxidant: the allicin contained in raw garlic also makes it a powerful antioxidant able to fight the harmful effects of free radicals by preventing aging.

Raw garlic lowers blood pressure and keeps cholesterol under control: especially if eaten on an empty stomach, raw garlic has beneficial effects on the circulation and on the cardiovascular system, thus helping even in case of high blood pressure as well as reducing bad cholesterol in the blood.

Raw garlic helps digestion and it is also good for the liver and bladder: eating raw garlic promotes digestion and regulates the intestinal flora. Even the liver and bladder can benefit from its purifying and antibacterial properties.

Raw garlic fights seasonal illnesses: raw garlic is an excellent remedy to strengthen the immune system, in fact it helps to fight colds and flu.

To consume raw garlic on an empty stomach,  cut the clove in half, let it rest for 10-15 minutes and then ingest it with a little water. The recommended amount is one clove twice a week to benefit from all its properties.

Side effects

Eating raw garlic is good but it is better not to exceed because some side effects like irritation of the intestinal walls and digestive tract could occur. Raw garlic is not recommended for those ones who suffer from gastritis, peptic ulcers, anemia and also for allergy sufferers. Raw garlic could also interact with some drugs, especially with anticoagulant medicines.