Black Garlic: Risks. Intolerances. Side effects

What Is Black Garlic?

Black garlic is a form of aged garlic that underwent a specific fermentation process. The raw garlic is aged in a warm (60–90°C or 140-194°F) and humid (70–90%) environment for a prolonged period of time. Because of the listed conditions, the cloves of the garlic appear black, and the garlic becomes sweeter, chewier, and softer. The fermentation process alters not only the appearance and texture of garlic but also its chemical composition. Black garlic has a higher content of antioxidants than regular garlic and therefore offers more health benefits, including immunomodulation, antioxidation, blood sugar regulation, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, and others.

Risks Of Taking Black Garlic

Although black garlic is known to offer numerous health benefits and is usually believed to be safe to eat, certain groups of individuals should be cautious when consuming it or even avoid it altogether. Such groups include:

1. People at increased risk of bleeding. Since black garlic may potentially raise the likelihood of bleeding, patients with a chronic bleeding disorder or after surgery should avoid it.
2. People with chronic low blood pressure. Black garlic is capable of lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for people with hypertension. However, in individuals with chronic hypotension, the consumption of black garlic may lead to a considerable decrease in blood pressure which could potentially result in a coma. Therefore, people with a history of low blood pressure should avoid black garlic consumption.
3. Children, pregnant or breastfeeding women. It is suggested that pregnant and breastfeeding women and children only consume black garlic in small amounts and only after consulting with a physician. In addition, they should not apply black garlic topically because it may cause irritation.
4. People with digestive issues. Since it may cause stomach upset, people with a history of digestive problems should talk with the doctor before taking black garlic.
5. People with diabetes. Consuming black garlic may lead to a decrease in blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should always talk to the doctor before beginning a regimen of black garlic supplements because it may lead to a significant decrease in blood sugar levels and even to diabetic coma.

Black Garlic Intolerance

Generally, black garlic is considered safe to consume and may not provoke allergies. However, if you are allergic to fresh garlic, it is likely that you will experience an allergic reaction when consuming black garlic as well. This is because the majority of chemicals that compose regular garlic are also present in black garlic. So, you are likely to still experience the same adverse effects from the chemicals found in black garlic as you do with regular garlic.

Some potential allergic reactions to garlic include nausea, irritable bowel, throat and mouth ulceration, breathing difficulties, runny nose, and skin problems like dermatitis. In rare cases, a person with an allergic reaction to garlic may experience anaphylaxis. 

If you suspect that you are allergic to garlic, you should stop consuming regular garlic as well as black garlic and talk to a healthcare provider.

Side Effects Of Black Garlic

It is generally thought to be safe to eat black garlic, yet certain possible side effects must be taken into account. Black garlic, much like fresh garlic, may cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and result in such symptoms as nausea, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, or body odor. If you eat large amounts of black garlic, you will likely experience the listed symptoms. 

Black garlic has several side effects. The way in which one’s body reacts to black garlic, the amount consumed, and the method of application can all determine the side effects experienced from the consumption of black garlic.

When taken orally, black garlic may cause bad breath, gasses, body odor, burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, increased risk of bleeding, and asthma.

When applied topically, black garlic may cause severe skin irritation or skin damage similar to burn.

When consuming black garlic, in addition to being aware of any allergic reactions you may have, it is also essential to consider the potential long-term side effects. Possible long-term side effects caused by black garlic consumption include dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, profuse sweating, bleeding, and menstrual irregularities.

You should always consult with your healthcare provider before taking black garlic supplements to minimize the possibility of any adverse reactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is generally accepted that black garlic is safe to consume and provides a range of health advantages, including antioxidation, cardioprotection, anti-cancer properties, immunomodulation, neuroprotection, blood sugar control, etc. However, as with other supplements, there are some possible side effects and risks associated with black garlic consumption. Therefore, it is important to take caution when using black garlic supplements and to consult a doctor before beginning any supplements course.