The health benefits of garlic have been known for over 5000 years. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Babylonians used it for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. In the 21st century, despite advances in pharmacology, garlic water remains popular. What is this product? Why do people drink it? What is the official medical opinion on this matter?
Health Benefits of Garlic
Garlic consists of water, proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, fiber, phenols, and trace elements.
The sharp smell of garlic is due to sulfur-containing compounds. In the raw product, the main sulfur component is alliin. When garlic is chopped or chewed, it is converted into allicin, which has beneficial effects on the human body.
Prevention of Cancer
Studies show that garlic contributes to:
fighting free radicals that are harmful to cells;
restoring important DNA molecules;
slowing the proliferation of tumor cells;
reducing the ability of tumor cells to “hide” from the immune system;
lowering toxin levels.
Most studies on the anti-tumor effects of garlic have been conducted on animals or in laboratory conditions on cell cultures. In experiments involving humans, the results have been less clear-cut: some studies confirmed the benefits, while others did not.
Nevertheless, authoritative medical organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) acknowledge that garlic in the daily diet may reduce the risk of cancer and recommend its consumption. Foods with similar properties include turmeric, chili pepper, grapes, broccoli, and tomatoes.
Antimicrobial Action
Allicin found in garlic can fight viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
Bacteria can form clusters (biofilms) that protect them from the effects of antibiotics and the immune system. Allicin is also effective against biofilms.
One study demonstrated that garlic can protect against colds: people taking garlic supplements were less likely to catch ARVI. However, for the positive effects of garlic to become an official recommendation, many similar studies need to be conducted. Currently, large meta-analyses do not confirm the preventive action of garlic against colds.
Antidiabetic Action
There are studies showing that garlic can lower blood sugar levels and increase cell sensitivity to insulin. Research on this issue is ongoing.
These properties have also been demonstrated in studies: blood pressure was reduced by an average of 5 mm, and total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol decreased by about 10% from baseline values.
Antithrombotic Action
Garlic can affect platelets, preventing them from “sticking” together. This property improves blood “flow” and promotes microcirculation. As a result, oxygen and nutrients penetrate tissues more easily, and waste products are removed from the body, reducing the risk of thrombosis.
How to Prepare Garlic Water
The most common method:
crush a couple of cloves of garlic;
wait 10 minutes;
pour the garlic with 200 ml of warm water;
let it steep for 20-30 minutes;
consume immediately, do not store.
It is recommended to drink garlic water 2-3 times a week in the morning before breakfast or at any time half an hour after a meal.
Garlic Tea
Indian Ayurvedic medicine offers another option:
crush one or two cloves of garlic;
wait 10 minutes;
place in boiling water for 2-3 minutes;
let the solution steep for 10-15 minutes;
add lemon and honey.
Who Should Avoid Drinking Garlic Water
People with gastroduodenitis, peptic ulcer disease of the stomach and duodenum, as well as inflammatory bowel diseases. Garlic can irritate mucous membranes and, in large amounts, can provoke exacerbations of these conditions.
Those prone to increased bleeding (for example, with easy bruising, bleeding gums, or nosebleeds, as well as those taking anticoagulants). Garlic affects platelets and makes the blood more “fluid,” which in large amounts can exacerbate existing tendencies.
Pregnant and breastfeeding women. Although garlic itself is not contraindicated during these periods, experiments with its unconventional and regular consumption are undesirable.
Garlic Water for Plants
The beneficial properties of garlic are also utilized by plant enthusiasts. It is believed that garlic water can help combat mold caused by overwatering. Since mold is a fungus, the antifungal action of garlic may have a positive effect. If no results are observed, it is better to resort to chemical fungicides.
Conclusion: To Drink or Not to Drink?
It can be said unequivocally that garlic is beneficial. If you do not have allergies and exacerbations of gastrointestinal diseases, feel free to include it in your diet.
Garlic water is an unconventional way to consume the product. Its safety and benefits have not been confirmed in medical studies. It is important to understand the purpose for which you are drinking it. If for disease prevention, there is no magic product that can protect against all illnesses. The occurrence of pathology depends 50% on lifestyle. It would be more effective to include physical activity in your daily routine, eat properly, and give up bad habits. This may sound trivial, but it has been proven to really help.
If you are looking for a way to treat an already developed disease, remember that medical drugs have a stronger effect than food products. Adding a “folk remedy” is possible, but only as a supplement, not a replacement for standard medication therapy. Be sure to inform your treating physician about all the means you decide to use in the fight against the disease.
Ideally, it is better to conduct culinary rather than medical experiments at home.
