A simulation has highlighted why eating raw garlic every day can act as a 'natural medicine bomb' for your health.
The internet is always trying to convince us about the new protein shakes or superfoods we should be trying to keep us healthy but raw garlic has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries now.
You only need to spend a few minutes on Instagram or TikTok these days to see some people enjoying 'carnivore diets', including the Liver King's wife, who consumes a whole load of testicles, while others prefer a vegan diet filled with nutritious vegetables.
The reality is that somewhere in between is likely to give you the best chance, while avoiding ultra-processed foods is also a good way to look after your body.
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Doctors have long sung the praises of natural superfoods, with the likes of ginger and chia seeds both proving popular among the health influencers of today, even if it's just having a shot of ginger in the morning or a sprinkle of chia seeds on your breakfast.
But now garlic, which is almost universally loved when paired with bread, pasta or meat, has also had something of a resurgence in the world of medicine.
It is said that eating raw garlic on an empty stomach can have a wide range of health benefits, something which is covered in a simulation by YouTube account Untold Healing.
The video says: "One clove of raw garlic on an empty stomach is like a natural medicine bomb. It supercharges your immune system, helping you fight off colds and infections faster. Your heart loves it, too.
"Garlic lowers blood pressure, reduces 'bad' cholesterol, and improves blood flow. It's a natural antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifier all in one tiny clove.
"Now, the elephant in the room, yes, your breath will smell, but here's the trick. Chew parsley, drink lemon water, or follow it with breakfast to neutralise the odour."
Of course, you shouldn't take the word of a YouTube Short as gospel but in this case, eating raw garlic can really be a huge health boost for most folks who don't spend their time avoiding the sun or sleeping in coffins.
Garlic contains allicin and some research suggests that this can help support the function of your immune system.
British Dietitian Association spokesperson and paediatric dietician Bahee Van de Bor told the BBC: "Raw garlic is known for its high allicin content, a sulfur compound that's linked to various health benefits… It’s absolutely good for us.
"Not only does it offer a rich array of essential nutrients but also serves as an excellent source of prebiotic fibre, which is crucial for providing nourishment for the beneficial bacteria residing in our gut.
"These friendly microbes rely on such fibre to flourish and maintain the overall health of our digestive system."
However, it's worth noting that garlic can make stomach issues worse for some people, with Van de Bor warning: "Unfortunately, it can indeed be a trigger for some individuals, particularly those with IBS. Therefore, it's crucial for anyone, including children with IBS, to identify their personal tolerance levels to garlic."
While the dietician advised 'using garlic-infused oils in cooking' to 'reduce the risk of triggering IBS symptoms', he pointed out that 'oil typically contains lower levels of allicin, the compound responsible for many of garlic's health benefits'.
Just make sure you have toothpaste and chewing gum on hand to balance it out.
Topics: Health, Food And Drink
James Moorhouse