What do black garlic supplements contain?

Garlic has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and is a staple ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. However, in recent years, a new form of garlic has become increasingly popular: black garlic. Black garlic is made by fermenting fresh garlic bulbs at high temperatures and humidity for a prolonged period, resulting in a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy taste and a darker color.

Black garlic supplements have become a trend among health and wellness enthusiasts due to their potential health benefits. But what do black garlic supplements contain? In this article, we will explore the composition of black garlic supplements and their health-promoting effects.

Black Garlic Supplements: What Are They?

Black garlic supplements are concentrated doses of black garlic in a convenient capsule form. The fermentation process used to produce black garlic creates a unique profile of bioactive compounds, including S-allyl cysteine (SAC), flavonoids, and other antioxidants. These compounds may provide various health benefits, including reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and boosting immunity.

Black Garlic Supplements: What Do They Contain?

Black garlic supplements contain a range of bioactive compounds produced during the fermentation process. Some of the key compounds found in black garlic supplements include:

• S-allyl cysteine (SAC): SAC is a sulfur-containing compound that is unique to garlic. It is produced during the fermentation process and is believed to be responsible for many of the health benefits associated with black garlic. SAC has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease [1].
• Flavonoids: Flavonoids are a group of plant-based compounds that have antioxidant properties. They are found in many fruits and vegetables and are believed to beneficially affect health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease [2].
• Organosulfur compounds: Black garlic contains significantly more organosulfur compounds than fresh garlic. These compounds are believed to account for many health benefits provided by black garlic. Organosulfur compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties [3,4].
• Other antioxidants: Black garlic supplements also contain a range of other antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium. These antioxidants may help reduce oxidative stress, a massive contributor to many chronic diseases.

Non-medical compounds that you can find in black garlic supplements can include fillers, binders, and excipients like cellulose, magnesium stearate, silica, and other inert materials. These are added to help with the manufacturing process and to form tablets or capsules.

Black Garlic Supplements: Potential Health Benefits

Black garlic supplements have been studied extensively for their potential health benefits. While more research is needed, some of the potential health-promoting effects of black garlic supplements include:

• Reducing inflammation: Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation is a critical contributor to many chronic diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Black garlic supplements have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases [5].
• Improving heart health: Garlic has long been known for its potential heart health benefits, and black garlic supplements may offer similar benefits. Studies have shown that black garlic supplements may help reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, two key risk factors for heart disease [6,7].
• Boosting immunity: Garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for infections and immune system support. Black garlic supplements may provide similar benefits, as they contain a range of bioactive compounds that have been shown to boost immunity [8].
• Reducing cancer risk: Some studies suggest that black garlic supplements may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, including colon and gastric cancer [9,10]. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of black garlic may help protect against cancer by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Are Black Garlic Supplements Safe?

Black garlic supplements are generally safe to take for most people. However, some individuals should exercise caution when using black garlic. They include:

• 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

It is worth mentioning that independently of whether you fall into one of the listed groups of people or not, it is advisable to consult your doctor before introducing black garlic supplements into your routine.

Conclusion

Black garlic supplements present a concentrated form of black garlic extract rich in beneficial compounds like S-allyl cysteine and antioxidants. While studies have shown promising potential health benefits, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of black garlic supplements. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before adding any supplement to your diet, especially if you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions. Nevertheless, black garlic supplements can be a great addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle and may offer a range of potential health benefits to support overall health and wellness.