Black Garlic Can Be Used As a Natural Treatment For a Wide Range of Health Conditions

What Is Black Garlic?

Black garlic, a fermented form of regular garlic, became popular in recent years for its unique flavor and multiple health benefits. It is produced by fermenting whole garlic bulbs at high heat (60–90 °C or 140-194F) and humidity (70–90%) for several weeks. The fermentation process results in the black color of garlic cloves, a sweet and savory taste with a soft and chewy texture. Besides being a delicious alternative to traditional garlic, black garlic also has the potential to be used as a natural treatment for a number of health conditions.

How Can Black Garlic Be Used As A Natural Treatment?

One of the main benefits of black garlic is its potential to decrease cholesterol levels. The primary risk factor for heart disease is elevated cholesterol. Heart disease, in turn, is the dominant cause of death all over the world. Studies have demonstrated that consuming black garlic can help lower total cholesterol, as well as low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels while increasing high-density lipoprotein (good cholesterol) levels. Another study revealed that the compound found in black garlic, S-allyl cysteine, has been shown to have lipid-lowering effects and may help prevent heart disease development.

In addition to its ability to lower cholesterol levels, black garlic also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that may help reduce chronic disease risk. Antioxidants are compounds that defend the body from the damage caused by free radicals. The latter are unstable molecules that can contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Black garlic contains high levels of antioxidants, including polyphenols, which can help prevent oxidative stress and inflammation.

Moreover, black garlic potentially has benefits for people with diabetes. Diabetes is a disease defined by high sugar levels in the blood. Diabetes may result in numerous complications, including nerve injury, cardiovascular disease, and kidney damage. Studies have demonstrated that black garlic can help decrease blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which may contribute to preventing or managing diabetes. The compounds found in black garlic, such as S-allyl cysteine, have been shown to increase glucose uptake and improve insulin secretion, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Black garlic also has the potential to improve the immune system, which is responsible for protecting the body against infections and diseases. Studies have revealed that black garlic can enhance the activity of natural killer cells, which are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune response. 

Black garlic also has the potential to exhibit anti-cancer properties. Cancer is a complicated disease that is defined by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. Studies have demonstrated that black garlic can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce their programmed cell death. It can help prevent or decelerate the progression of cancer. Another study showed that two compounds found in black garlic, called S-allyl cysteine and allicin, have anti-cancer effects in vitro and in animal studies.

Finally, black garlic may be beneficial for brain health. Aging is associated with cognitive decline. Studies have indicated that black garlic can help improve cognitive performance and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive deterioration. Animal studies demonstrated that the compound found in black garlic, S-allyl cysteine, has the potential to improve memory and learning. Inflammation and oxidative stress are two critical marks that aid in cognitive decline. Black garlic contains antioxidants that can help defend the brain from inflammation and oxidative stress.

Are Black Garlic Supplements Safe To Take?

In general, black garlic and its supplements are considered safe to consume. However, it is always a good idea to consult your healthcare practitioner before adding any supplement to your diet. It is especially important to speak with your physician before starting a black garlic supplement regimen, if you have digestive issues or diabetes, you are pregnant or nursing or you are a child. Additionally, if you are allergic to garlic or any other components of the black garlic supplement, have low blood pressure, are taking blood-thinning medications, or are in the process of recovering from surgery, it is necessary to avoid black garlic supplements altogether. 

Black garlic is generally considered safe and has no known adverse effects. However, black garlic supplements may interact with some medicines. Therefore, those taking medications or having underlying medical conditions, should exercise caution and seek medical advice before starting the course of black garlic supplements.

Conclusion

Black garlic has a high content of antioxidants and offers a number of health benefits, including heart protection, control of blood sugar levels, enhancing the immune system, brain protection, anti-cancer properties, and others. While several animal research revealed the potential health benefits of black garlic, more human studies are required to confirm the listed health advantages. Therefore, it is important to talk with your healthcare provider before taking black garlic and its supplements.