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Garlic fasting

January 15, 2021
Garlic fasting

While garlic is a staple ingredient in many of our meals, eating cooked garlic as part of our diet does not seem to be the most effective option. When it comes to taking advantage of its healthy properties, many agree that it is best to take it raw and on an empty stomach.

Keep reading below to learn more about the subject: why it is recommended to take garlic on an empty stomach , what are its properties and healthy benefits , how you can ingest it in the morning and what are its possible contraindications , among other interesting questions.

Why take raw garlic on an empty stomach?

The truth is that there is some debate about whether it is better, or not, to take raw garlic on an empty stomach . While some claim that the effect of garlic is negligible when taken on an empty stomach, others claim that this is the best way to consume it to maximize its health benefits.

First of all, raw garlic guarantees a greater intake of allicin , the main organosulfur compound to which the most relevant properties are attributed1 . It has been observed that the concentration of allicin decreases considerably during cooking.

To obtain the highest content of allicin it is necessary to cut, crush or crush the garlic and let it rest for 5 minutes before using. This activates the reaction that increases its bioavailability.2 3.

Second, taking garlic on an empty stomach can promote a better assimilation of its vitamins , essential minerals and bioactive compounds , since our body better absorbs many of these nutrients when the stomach is not full.

Now, taking into account that taking garlic first thing in the morning can cause an upset stomach and that some nutrients are usually better absorbed when accompanied with food, our recommendation is to take garlic on an empty stomach , but not so far from breakfast .

Properties and benefits: what is garlic used for on an empty stomach?

Regular consumption of garlic has been linked to numerous health benefits . Different studies and investigations have observed that its compounds help in the prevention and alternative treatment of many conditions, including infections, hypertension, diabetes, cancer and obesity4.

Although this is not the most pleasant for your breath, when taken on an empty stomach garlic seems to be especially effective for :

1. Strengthen immune function

Thanks to its supply of essential nutrients and its antimicrobial properties, garlic is a great ally to promote the proper functioning of the immune system and keep common infections at bay. Not by taste it is considered one of the most powerful natural antibiotic / antifungal agents .

See below: Garlic as an Antibiotic – Findings, Benefits, Advantages and Contraindications

2. Promote the elimination of toxins

In traditional medicine, raw garlic is a powerful detoxifier that helps purify the body and blood . Taking raw garlic on an empty stomach is believed to contribute to increased elimination of toxins and impurities in the bloodstream, as well as parasites and germs.

3. Lose weight

This is one of the most popular benefits of garlic on an empty stomach . Although its consumption is beneficial to lose weight in general, many say that ingesting it first thing in the morning is the most effective technique. Its sulfur compounds have been found to help speed up metabolism, boost natural fat burning, and support long-term weight loss when combined with a good lifestyle. Apparently, the weight-loss power of garlic on an empty stomach is greater when combined with lemon .

4. Regulate blood glucose and blood pressure levels

Due to its anti-glycemic and anti-hypertensive properties, many experts recommend starting your routine with 1 clove of raw garlic to help control glucose and blood pressure levels throughout the day.

5. Reduce cholesterol levels

Another common use of raw garlic is to take it before breakfast to eliminate plaque accumulated in the arteries and lower cholesterol levels.

6. Prevent the formation of cancer cells in the body

Like onion , garlic has anti-cancer , antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties . Taking it regularly first thing in the morning, before breakfast, can help prevent the formation of cancer cells.

7. Improve gut health

Did you know that garlic is rich in pre-biotic fiber ? Its consumption has a very positive impact on the health of the gastrointestinal system, since it serves as food for the beneficial bacteria in the intestine. This not only translates into better digestion and a greater absorption of nutrients, but also strengthens our defenses and promotes good general health.

More information in:

How to take garlic on an empty stomach?

If you want to start your day with garlic, these are the most important recommendations to keep in mind :

  1. Make sure the garlic is fresh . If you use a clove of garlic that is too old, you may not get the same amount of healthy compounds.
  2. Always peel garlic, crush it or slice it, and let it rest for 1-3 minutes before drinking . Swallowing garlic whole will have virtually no benefit.
  3. Eating a lot of garlic on an empty stomach can be irritating to the stomach. Limit the amount to ½ – 1 clove of garlic to avoid side effects.
  4. Accompany with a glass of water , preferably at room temperature or warm (never hot or very cold).
  5. Although some people can chew raw garlic without problems, consider that its flavor is spicy and that this will leave a more intense smell on your breath.

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Ideas for taking garlic on an empty stomach

  • Cut 1 clove of garlic into slices to drink with water as if it were a pill.
  • Add crushed garlic in a cup of water ( at the same time or slightly warm ), let it infuse and drink as a tea.
  • Take 1 tablespoon of garlic crushed with honey .
  • Take 1 tablespoon of crushed garlic with lemon juice .

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Quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to take garlic on an empty stomach every day?

Although taking a moderate amount of raw garlic on an empty stomach every day is safe for most people, its continued use can be counterproductive . It is recommended to take it for a minimum of 1 week or 15 days, and then stop for a short period of time.

How much garlic should I take on an empty stomach?

The amount of garlic to take on an empty stomach can vary from one person to another depending on their preferences, tolerance, stomach sensitivity, state of health, etc. A good recommendation would be to start with the dose of ½ to 1 garlic clove , and observe how you feel after taking it. Always keep in mind the portion of garlic you take on an empty stomach so as not to exceed your total daily intake. It is not recommended to exceed 4 cloves of garlic per day ( maximum ).

Does raw garlic on an empty stomach have any contraindications?

Yes. When the contraindications and side effects it is5 6 , we must proceed with greater caution when eating raw garlic and fasting.

The people with sensitive stomachs may experience all kinds of digestive discomfort, including diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, heartburn and stomach irritation.

This habit can be counterproductive in:

  • People with blood clotting disorders or who are under treatment with anticoagulant drugs.
  • People with stomach ulcers .
  • Women in pregnancy and lactation .
  • People under medical treatment .

People who are sensitive or allergic to compounds in garlic, or other bulbs in the Allium family, should avoid it at all times, especially if it is raw.

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Final thought

While taking garlic on an empty stomach can offer excellent long-term health properties, remember that this is not a substitute for the use of potential prescription medications . Never suspend a treatment indicated by the doctor and be sure to consult it before adopting this or any other remedy on your own. If raw garlic first thing in the morning is irritating or unpleasant, don’t forget that there are other alternatives to easily include it in your diet.

Learn more about garlic and other bulbs:

References:

  1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/allicin
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073756/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4166823/
  4. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265853.php
  5. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2005/0701/p103.html
  6. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/garlic.html
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My name is Louise Hammond, and I am the creator of this website, a place to find information about tubers, bulbs and medicinal roots. In Dreamsship.com I show the properties, benefits, characteristics, photos and images, ways of growing and how to make delicious meals from starchy vegetables.