The internet is a powerhouse of health tips and hacks. Can we trust everything we read online though? Many self claimed fitness experts share a plethora of information on the perfect diet, the perfect workout, what to eat when and what not. People have a knack to automatically assume everything on the internet is authentic. Health hacks by people who have no medical experience or qualification should not be trusted blindly. Recently there has been a piece of news going viral which says that consuming two cloves of raw garlic in the morning can help you get rid of diseases.
Garlic improves the taste of food. Its essential nutrients and bioactive compounds are without doubt good for health. That’s why many people eat raw garlic on an empty stomach right after brushing. It is believed to improve digestion, balance blood sugar levels and check skin problems. Despite some benefits, consuming raw garlic on a regular basis can cause many side effects. Let’s take a look at them.
People suffering from heartburn Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) should minimise the consumption of garlic as much as possible. This is because stomach acids back into the oesophagus in people with this disease. This causes symptoms like heartburn and nausea. Eating raw garlic early in the morning may increase the risk of heartburn, which may worsen acid reflux due to its acidic content
The liver purifies the blood and promotes fat metabolism. It performs important functions like removing ammonia from the body. If you eat too much garlic, it can cause liver damage and toxicity due to the presence of the compound allicin in it. Eating too much raw garlic increases the risk of bleeding. This risk is higher for those who use blood thinner medicines. This is because the antithrombotic properties of garlic prevent blood clotting. A study found that regular consumption of 4 cloves of garlic daily before surgeries could increase the risk of bleeding.
Garlic contains sulphur compounds. It is an important nutrient for health. Eating too much garlic can cause bad breath. According to nutritionists, bad breath is caused by the sulphur in raw garlic.
Garlic contains carbohydrates known as fructans. Consuming excessive amounts of garlic can lead to bloating, gas, and stomach ache due to these fructans. This is because fructans are typically not absorbed by the small intestine and instead pass intact to the large intestine. Accumulation of fructans in the large intestine can result in digestive issues
Studies show that consuming no more than 1-2 cloves of garlic or 3-6 grams per day has health benefits. But garlic should be cooked and not eaten raw.
In case you encounter any medical problems after consuming garlic, consult a doctor immediately.
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