The place of garlic is irreplaceable in Indian cuisine. Outside the kitchen too, garlic has been regarded as one of the most potent foods to cure a variety of diseases and conditions. According to the book Healing Foods, garlic is universally recognised for its health-promoting benefits; aiding the circulatory and digestive systems, boosting the immune system, lowering blood pressure, and fighting heart disease. It even helps to eliminate toxins. While it makes for an intrinsic part of our cooking preparations, raw garlic, taken especially as the first thing in the morning, can bring about a bevy of health benefits. Yes, it may not be the best of ideas of for your breath, but the many health benefits of the practice would sure compel you to chug in a small chunk each morning.
Here are few reasons why you should have garlic on an empty stomach
1. Stronger Lipid profile: Macrobiotic Nutritionist and Health Practitioner Shilpa Arora ND says, "Raw garlic in the morning, on an empty stomach may be very beneficial for your lipid profile. It's a natural blood thinner, which helps stabilise high blood pressure and cholesterol levels."
Shilpa also adds, "Studies have also revealed how sulphur compounds found in garlic help destroy tumour cells. Garlic is a powerful antibiotic that may heal various lung diseases and strengthen the gut for better absorption of nutrients from food."
2. Powerful Natural Antibiotic: Raw garlic is one of the most effective natural antibiotics. The power raises significantly if garlic is consumed raw, on an empty stomach. Having a piece of raw garlic exposes the bacteria to the tough healing properties of garlic, which helps prevent the bacterial action in the gut. Garlic contains abundant antibiotic and antifungal sulphur compounds including allicin, allin and ajeone. The antibiotic components and its volatile oil helps treat cold and cough.
3. Digestion And Weight Loss Benefits: Eating raw garlic first thing in the morning stimulates digestion and appetite. A smoother digestion, amongst other things also aids effective weight loss. Eating raw garlic is also effective for tummy problems like diarrhoea.(Also Read: 6 Fruits That Help Better Digestion)
4. Hypertension: The sulphur-containing compounds: allicin, diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, could help regulate your blood pressure levels too.
5. Detox: The sulfhydryl compound in the garlic helps remove toxic substances from the body. Therefore, if you have had a heavy dinner last night, it is always a good idea to start the next day on a detox mode.
Eating Raw Garlic
Raw garlic has a significantly better nutritive profile than cooked, which is why raw garlic is often one of the most common toppings and ingredients for salads and veggies.
Here is how you can start your day with garlic.
1. Make sure the garlic is fresh. This is because, the allicin compounds degrade dramatically, if the garlic is made to sit out for too long.
2. Carefully, peel the skin off of one part of the clove and keep the rest half of the clove in the refrigerator.(Also Read: How to Make Garlic Oil for Natural Remedies: 9 Amazing Ways to Use it)
3. Cut a small chunk of the part you peeled. Eating too much garlic on empty stomach can prove to be rather shocking for your system, and make you sick.
4. Swallow the garlic with a full glass of water. Since garlic has its own pungent flavour, chewing into it, may get a bit too much for some. It is advisable to swallow a small chunk with water. Starting the day with lukewarm water can kick-start metabolism too.
Try this natural remedy and say hello to a healthy morning
About Sushmita SenguptaSharing a strong penchant for food, Sushmita loves all things good, cheesy and greasy. Her other favourite pastime activities other than discussing food includes, reading, watching movies and binge-watching TV shows.