Black Garlic | Natural Antioxidants & Phytochemicals

In recent years, black garlic has quickly gained popularity as a superfood due to its numerous health benefits, particularly as a natural source of antioxidants and phytochemicals.

What Is Black Garlic?

Black garlic is produced by fermenting regular garlic at high temperatures and humidity for a minimum of several weeks. The result is dark-colored garlic with a savory-sweet taste, creamy texture, and increased bioactivity of its components.

Health Benefits of Black Garlic

One of the key benefits of black garlic is its abundance of antioxidants [1]. Antioxidants are molecules that aid in the protection of the body from oxidative stress induced by free radicals. The last can damage cells and increase the risk of developing chronic illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Black garlic contains considerably more antioxidants than fresh garlic, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet.

In addition to antioxidants, black garlic is also rich in phytochemicals[1]. These are naturally occurring compounds found in plants that provide numerous health benefits. For example, studies have shown that phytochemicals can contribute to the protection against some chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease [2]. Black garlic contains several different types of phytochemicals, including flavonoids and saponins. Both of them have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties[3,4,5].

The fermentation process used to create black garlic is responsible for many of its health-promoting effects. During fermentation, the garlic undergoes physiochemical changes that result in the formation of new compounds, including S-allyl cysteine (SAC), which is believed to have numerous health benefits. For example, SAC has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, and it may also help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease [6,7].

Another health-promoting effect of black garlic is that it may help improve cardiovascular health. Studies [8] have shown that black garlic can aid in lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels, which are important factors in reducing the risk of heart disease. In addition, black garlic has been shown to improve blood flow, which can help protect against atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases[9].

Is Black Garlic Safe to Take?

Generally, black garlic is considered to be safe. However, it is advisable to talk with the doctor before making it a part of your everyday diet. People who should exercise special cautiousness with black garlic include:

• individuals on blood-thinning medications
• patients with chronic bleeding disorders
• pregnant and breastfeeding women
• children
• individuals with diabetes
• people with low blood pressure
• those with an allergic reaction to garlic or any other component of the supplement
• people after surgery or those preparing for the surgery
• people with a history of stomach or digestive issues

Conclusion

Black garlic can become an excellent addition to a healthy and well-balanced diet. Its high antioxidant and phytochemical content make it a potent superfood with multiple health benefits. If you’re looking for a way to boost your immune system, protect against chronic disease, and improve your cardiovascular health, black garlic is an excellent choice.