Garlic is a widely used ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. But it is not only used here, as it is known worldwide. In fact, it originated in Asia, where a variety of garlic was cultivated from which Allium Sativum, or common garlic, was later derived. Garlic has been used for centuries as a condiment and for its medicinal properties. But is it true that it is better to eat garlic on an empty stomach to benefit from all its properties? Let’s take a look.
As with all vegetables, eating them raw helps us to benefit from all their nutrients; and we avoid that many vitamins and minerals are lost in cooking; as we saw in How to cook vegetables so they do not lose their properties.
But in addition to eating it raw, garlic is recommended to be eaten on an empty stomach. Surely you have heard more than one person comment that the first thing they take when they wake up is one or two cloves of garlic, but why is garlic good on an empty stomach?
Let’s start by getting to know this plant a little better
The common garlic, the most consumed here, comes from the Allium Sativium plant. It is a very traditional food, as it has been used for centuries in all the cuisines of the world. Also, it is a perfect condiment for a multitude of dishes, without forgetting the recipes in which it is the real protagonist thanks to its economic price.
It is also widely used for its many health benefits. And there are many natural remedies with this magnificent ingredient.
Why eat garlic on an empty stomach
Although it is true that there is still no study that supports that eating garlic on an empty stomach increases its properties, we believe that years of popular wisdom cannot be wrong. And the fact is that the belief that garlic is more beneficial on an empty stomach also has many centuries of history. Surely you have heard it from your grandparents.
Taking garlic on an empty stomach regulates our body’s sugar levels.
A study in the medical journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity, published a study of diabetic patients who consumed raw garlic on an empty stomach. The result of the study was that these people had considerably reduced their blood glucose levels.
It is also recommended to take garlic on an empty stomach to increase the levels of HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol; at the same time it reduces the levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL.
We already know that garlic consumption lowers blood pressure, which helps prevent cardiovascular problems. But also, consuming it on an empty stomach, thanks to the fact that it increases good cholesterol (HDL), it helps us to treat hyperlipidemia; the excess of fat in the blood.
So far, these are the benefits that have been demonstrated by the consumption of garlic on an empty stomach. But to all of them, we must add the other properties of garlic; of which we benefit regardless of when we eat it.
Let’s remember them:
- Promotes blood circulation
- It contains a high nutritional value, providing us with magnesium, vitamin B6, B1, C, fiber, calcium, proteins, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron, selenium…
- Lowers cholesterol
- Powerful natural antibiotic
- It is also a great antioxidant
- It is a natural anti-inflammatory
- And it is good for the digestive system
Do you take garlic on an empty stomach?
But, if you want to benefit from all the benefits and nutrients of consuming garlic on an empty stomach, you should avoid swallowing it whole. It will not have the same effects as if we chew it well. It is true that for some people it may be too strong or spicy, it is best to crush it or cut it into thin slices.
We can also slightly soften its flavor if we mix it with a little olive or linseed oil.
Remember to leave us your comments, tips, opinions… We love to read them! And don’t forget to follow us on social networks to keep up to date with all our publications. You can find us on Twitter and Instagram.
