Garlic is one of the most powerful natural medicines known to man. For centuries, it has been used not only as a spice in cooking but also as a remedy for different health problems such as high blood pressure, infections, and heart-related issues.
Many people believe that chewing raw garlic is the best way to get its benefits, but the truth is that eating it raw and directly can sometimes do more harm than good.
When you chew raw garlic, its strong compounds such as allicin are released immediately.
While allicin is responsible for most of garlic’s health benefits, it is also very harsh.
It can cause a burning sensation in your mouth, bad breath, stomach irritation, and even damage to the sensitive lining of your digestive system when taken in excess.
That is why health experts advise against chewing it raw.
Instead, there are safer and more effective ways to consume garlic without losing its healing properties.
One of the best methods is crushing or chopping garlic and letting it sit for about 10 minutes before cooking.
This allows allicin to fully develop. You can then mix it into your food, soups, or salads.
Cooking garlic lightly also reduces its harshness while keeping most of its beneficial compounds.
Another powerful method is making garlic-infused honey or garlic tea.
For honey, simply crush a few cloves, mix them with raw honey, and let the mixture sit.
Taking a spoonful daily strengthens your immunity and fights infections.
For tea, boil water, add crushed garlic, ginger, and lemon. Drinking this helps with colds, flu, and digestive health.
By using these methods, you can still enjoy garlic’s amazing benefits—such as lowering cholesterol, improving blood circulation, fighting bacteria and viruses, and boosting your overall immunity—without experiencing the unpleasant side effects of chewing it raw.
In short, garlic is a gift of nature, but how you consume it matters. Don’t chew it raw again; instead, prepare it wisely to nourish your body while protecting your health.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NEWSHOUR does not claim responsibility for this information.