Raw garlic tops the list of small but healthy foods (apple cider vinegar, onions, tuna). Aside from the obvious concerns (can you say garlic breath and B.O.?), it’s not something you often hear about being good for you. The best way to reap the benefits of garlic is to eat it raw.
Ariana Lutzi, a naturopath and nutritional consultant at Bubs Naturals, says garlic is one of the most accessible health foods. “Garlic is packed with nutrients and adds a tangy flavor to any dish. It’s most potent when eaten raw,” she says.
Is it safe to eat raw garlic?
Lutzi says the benefits of raw garlic include boosting nutrition and kicking bad infections. “Garlic fights all kinds of infections – fungi, bacteria, parasites and viruses – regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure and lowers cholesterol.” Studies have shown that the optimal amount to consume per day is one to two cloves of garlic for maximum benefit without any unwanted side effects (body odor, heartburn). Honestly, who knew all these benefits could be packed into such a small (and smelly) plant?
Health benefits of raw garlic
Alejandro Junger, MD, founder of The Clean Program, endorsed by celebrities such as Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow, encourages people to eat a clove of raw garlic daily while on the cleanse. “[Raw garlic] not only kills bad bacteria, yeast, and parasites, but it can help regulate blood sugar, burn fat, reduce hunger, lower cholesterol, relieve joint pain, and reduce intestinal gas,” Dr. Junger in his book Pure.
