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On the list of pungent-yet-healthy foods (apple cider vinegar shots, onions, tuna) raw garlic may just top the list. Besides the obvious concerns (can you say garlic breath and B.O.?), it’s not exactly one you often hear about being good for you. But it turns out, not only is are there benefits of raw garlic, but the best way to reap the rewards is by eating it raw.
Ariana Lutzi, ND, naturopath and nutrition consultant for Bubs Naturals says garlic is one of the most accessible healthy foods to eat. “Garlic is packed full of nutrients and adds intense flavor to any dish. It’s the most potent when used in its raw form,” she says.
Besides delivering a nutritional boost, Lutzi says the benefits of raw garlic include kicking nasty infections, too. “Garlic fights all types of infections—fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral—regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol, to name a few.” Who knew all of these benefits could be packed inside such a small (and smelly) herb?
Keep reading to find out more on the health benefits of raw garlic, plus tips on how to use it to reap all the benefits.
Health benefits of raw garlic
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Photo: Stocksy/Melanie Riccardi
Health benefits of raw garlic
Alejandro Junger, MD, founder of the Clean Program, a 30-day cleanse program that celebs like Meghan Markle and Gwyneth Paltrow are a fan of, encourages people to eat a clove of raw garlic per day while on the cleanse. Junger writes in his book Clean, that raw garlic “will help not only to eliminate bad bacteria, yeast, and parasites, but also to regulate blood sugar levels, enhance fat burning, reduce hunger sensations, lower cholesterol, relieve arthritic pain, and reduce bowel gas.”
Here are some other health benefits of the veggie, amplified when raw as cooking dulls some of its nutrient-density:
1. A nutrient powerhouse: One benefit of raw garlic is that its fill of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, vitamin c, iron, potassium, and copper. This powerhouse combination is especially good for cognitive function: Vitamin B6 and magnesium are both linked to boosting mood and improving brain health.
On the list of pungent-yet-healthy foods (apple cider vinegar shots, onions, tuna) raw garlic may just top the list. Besides the obvious concerns (can you say garlic breath and B.O.?), it’s not exactly one you often hear about being good for you. But it turns out, not only is are there benefits of raw garlic, but the best way to reap the rewards is by eating it raw.
Ariana Lutzi, ND, naturopath and nutrition consultant for Bubs Naturals says garlic is one of the most accessible healthy foods to eat. “Garlic is packed full of nutrients and adds intense flavor to any dish. It’s the most potent when used in its raw form,” she says.
Besides delivering a nutritional boost, Lutzi says the benefits of raw garlic include kicking nasty infections, too. “Garlic fights all types of infections—fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral—regulates blood sugar, lowers blood pressure, and lowers cholesterol, to name a few.” Who knew all of these benefits could be packed inside such a small (and smelly) herb?
