Benefits of Black Garlic for Men and Women: How to Use It and Who Should Avoid It
Black Garlic: Nature’s Health Miracle
Black garlic is made from white garlic through a unique aging process. Nutrition plays a crucial role in everyone’s life, especially when it’s focused on health and wellness. Nutrition isn’t just about eating and feeling full; it directly impacts both physical and mental health.
What is Black Garlic?
Black garlic is a product made by fermenting regular garlic under controlled heat and humidity. This process involves storing garlic for 50 to 90 days at a temperature of approximately 60 to 77 °C . Through this, the garlic takes on a jelly-like texture, a sweet flavor, and turns black in color. During this transformation, significant chemical changes occur that can enhance its therapeutic properties by several times. Unlike raw or pickled garlic, black garlic does not cause bad breath, and the nutrient allicin, naturally present in garlic, becomes more stable in its black form.
What Changes Occur During the Fermentation of White Garlic to Black Garlic?
The first change that occurs during the fermentation process is the removal of the sulfurous odor, making it much easier to consume. The fermentation process also helps make the nutrients in the garlic more compatible with the body.
The amount of allicin (a sulfur compound responsible for garlic's strong odor) does not disappear but rather transforms into antioxidants, which enhances its beneficial properties significantly. In most cases, fermentation multiplies the nutritional value of the ingredients.
To make black garlic, white garlic is used. However, despite its many health benefits, black garlic remains relatively affordable compared to its unique properties.
Benefits of Black Garlic for Men and Women
Due to the fermentation process, the therapeutic and beneficial effects of black garlic remain in the human body for a longer period. According to two scientific studies, black garlic helps reduce weight, decrease belly fat, lower harmful blood cholesterol (LDL), and increase beneficial blood cholesterol (HDL). In one study on mice, it was found that black garlic consumption regulates fat metabolism and blood cholesterol, resulting in a significant reduction in total fat, triglycerides, and blood cholesterol levels, thereby contributing to weight loss and fat reduction.
The Most Important Medicinal and Therapeutic Properties of Black Garlic:
- Higher Antioxidant Levels: Black garlic contains significantly more antioxidants compared to raw garlic. Its antioxidant content is approximately three times higher than that of regular white garlic. It contains compounds such as flavonoids and polyphenols.
- Proven Anti-Cancer Properties: Research has shown that black garlic has anti-cancer properties. These compounds help strengthen the immune system.
- Effective for Cardiovascular Health: Black garlic is beneficial for treating heart and vascular diseases.
- Helps Regulate Blood Sugar: Black garlic is helpful in regulating blood sugar levels and preventing type 2 diabetes. It aids in the treatment of diabetes by reducing insulin resistance in diabetic patients.
- Useful for Treating Infections: Black garlic is effective for treating infections of microbial, bacterial, fungal, and viral origin.
- Prevents Blood Clotting and Helps Lower Blood Pressure: It can help prevent blood clotting and is beneficial for managing high blood pressure.
- Effective for Treating Arthritis and Joint Pain: Black garlic is known to be helpful in managing osteoarthritis, joint pain, and sciatica.
- Helpful for Cold Temperaments and Balancing Body Humors: It is recommended for easing symptoms associated with a "cold temperament" or an excess of coldness in the body, helping to eliminate excess phlegm and bile, and treating conditions linked to an increase in coldness.
- Reduces Intestinal Inflammation: Black garlic helps reduce intestinal inflammation and is beneficial for treating bloating syndrome.
- Rich in Nutrients: It contains essential vitamins (including vitamin C and B vitamins), iron, phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and more.
- Regulates Fat Absorption and Improves Cholesterol: Black garlic helps reduce the absorption of harmful fats and increases beneficial fats in the blood. It regulates fat metabolism, which leads to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Laboratory studies have shown that fermented black garlic helps combat obesity.
- Protects Brain Health: Research suggests that black garlic can help reduce inflammation and prevent memory impairment, thereby improving brain function.
- Supports Liver Health: Black garlic protects the liver from damage caused by continuous exposure to chemicals, medications, alcohol, and microbes. It is also used for fatty liver, as some studies suggest it can reduce fat deposits in the liver.
- Boosts Libido: Due to its high antioxidant content, black garlic can improve blood circulation to the genital area, enhance energy levels, and positively affect sexual function. It is also useful in treating premature ejaculation.
- Promotes Better Sleep: Black garlic stimulates the production of melatonin (the hormone that regulates the sleep cycle), helping you fall asleep faster and experience better quality sleep.
How to Use Black Garlic:
- Consume one or two cloves on an empty stomach with water and honey.
- Add it as a main ingredient in dishes.
- Use as a seasoning for meats, steamed vegetables, salads, and sauces.
Who Should Avoid Black Garlic?
While black garlic has many incredible health benefits, it may pose risks if consumed excessively, potentially affecting an individual's health. Even healthy individuals could face issues if consumption exceeds recommended limits, let alone those with specific health conditions.
Since black garlic is made from white garlic, it retains its hot and dry nature. People with a "hot" temperament should exercise caution when consuming it.
Excessive consumption of black garlic can be harmful to both healthy individuals and those with certain health conditions.
People with low blood pressure should be cautious.
Those with blood clotting disorders should be mindful when consuming it.
Individuals taking blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or HIV medications should be cautious.
Patients scheduled for surgery should avoid it.
People who experience allergic reactions after consuming raw garlic should avoid black garlic as well.
Some people experience heart palpitations after consuming raw garlic, so these individuals should also be cautious with black garlic.
Pregnant women should avoid consuming black garlic.
Individuals with skin sensitivities should be careful.
Overconsumption may lead to hemorrhoids, and it can be harmful to the lungs and eyes.
Excessive intake may result in bloating and consequently headaches.
