Black Garlic: Dosage

What is Black Garlic?

Black garlic is a regular garlic that has been fermented for at least several weeks under controlled temperature and humidity levels. As a result of such processing, garlic loses its characteristic pungent smell. Instead, black cloves have a much milder scent, sweet taste, and creamy texture. In addition, black garlic contains significantly higher amounts of antioxidants and phenols – compounds with antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits of Black Garlic

For centuries, black garlic has been used in South Korea, Thailand, and Japan to enhance food flavor and reap its medicinal benefits. Studies show that black garlic has antioxidant, antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, and anticarcinogenic activities. But why is black garlic so beneficial?

The difference in the level of health-promoting properties between fresh garlic and black garlic lies in the fact that during fermentation, the phytochemical content of garlic changes. As a result of this process, black garlic contains considerably more functional compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, and antioxidants, and has a higher bioactivity than fresh garlic.

Black Garlic: Consumption Ways and Doses

Black garlic can become a great addition to your meals. Chefs worldwide use this spice to enhance the taste of fish, chicken, soups, risotto, etc. A great variety of recipes with the use of black garlic exist nowadays, some of which you can find on our website.

An alternative way to get the health benefits of black garlic is by taking supplements. You can find them in the form of capsules, tablets, powder, and liquid extracts. 

The recommended dosage of black garlic is 500-1,000 mg per day. It is not advisable to exceed the mentioned amount to avoid gastrointestinal problems.

Black Garlic Supplements: Safety

Black garlic supplements are generally safe. However, as with any supplement, it is advisable to talk with your doctor to discuss the appropriateness and dose before taking them. It is especially true for people that fall into at least one of the following categories:

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