Garlic or Allum Sativum is a bulbous flowering plant. It is closely related to onions, shallots, leeks, and chives. Garlic is consumed worldwide and is a major component of many cuisines. The garlic plant is native to South Asia, Central Asia, and north-eastern Iran. Other than being a flavouring agent, garlic is also used in traditional medicine.
Many cultures believe that eating raw garlic eases the pain related to endometriosis, slows down the hardening of the arteries, and reduces pre-meal sugar levels in diabetic people. Consuming raw garlic or garlic powder was also used to reduce total cholesterol, lower blood pressure, improve liver health, and treat periodontitis, a serious gum infection. However, actual studies are unable to substantiate these claims.
Just like onions, garlic also produces a chemical that protects it from pests and animals. This chemical is known as allicin and gives garlic its distinct smell that contributes to garlic breath. Other than garlic breath, eating raw garlic has several other side effects.
Increases risk of bleeding- Eating raw garlic increases the risk of bleeding, especially when you are on blood thinners or are going to undergo surgery. Garlic increases the risks of bleeding because it has antithrombotic properties which stop blood clots from forming.
Diarrhoea- Consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach can trigger diarrhoea as it contains gas-forming compounds such as sulphur.
Skin irritation- Applying raw onion as a topical can cause a burning sensation and irritate the skin.
Liver Damage- Studies done on the excess consumption of raw garlic in rats showed that raw garlic can lead to liver toxicity.
Body odour- Having body odour is another side effect of eating an excessive quantity of raw garlic daily.
Gastrointestinal irritation- When we chew raw garlic, it produces a chemical known as allicin, which is produced to protect the plant from an animal attack or pest infestation. Usually, cooking garlic decreases the level of allicin. But chewing on raw garlic can cause an intense burning sensation in the mouth and can even cause gastrointestinal burning and irritation.
Trigger digestive issues- Garlic is high in fructans just like onions, leeks, and asparagus. Fructan is a type of carb that causes bloating, stomach pain, and gas in some people. This is because the small intestine is unable to process it.
Causes nausea, vomiting, and heartburn- Some people experience nausea, vomiting, and heartburn after eating multiple raw garlic bulbs on an empty stomach. Garlic can also trigger gastrointestinal reflux disease in some people.
Unhealthy for pregnant and nursing women- While this claim is not based on actual scientific studies, in many cultures pregnant women are prohibited from eating raw garlic as it can induce early labour. Nursing women are also prohibited from consuming raw garlic because it can alter the taste of breast milk.
Excessive sweating- A few studies show that regular consumption of raw garlic can cause excessive sweating.
Aggravate yeast infection- Consuming raw garlic while you are suffering from yeast infection can irritate the tender tissues in the vagina.
Too much of any food is unhealthy and poses serious threats to our physical health. Garlic is no stranger to this phenomenon. However, garlic is good for us but in small quantities. It is a source of manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, and fibre. It can boost the functioning of the immune system and protect against the common cold. It also exhibits antioxidant properties that can reduce free radicals that contribute to the ageing process.
