Black garlic is a vegetable that is obtained from fresh garlic
and is considered a functional food, which undergoes a fermentation process at
a controlled temperature and humidity for a period of time. This process
changes its color, consistency, and composition, reduces flavor and strong
odors, and gives it a sweet taste with an elastic texture when chewed.
Compared to fresh garlic, black garlic has more benefits because
during fermentation it not only changes at a sensory level, but also at a
physicochemical level, being a garlic that has more antioxidant compounds such
as polyphenols, flavonoids and organosulfur compounds.
Benefits and properties
Black garlic apparently has anti-cancer, antioxidant,
hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, lipid-lowering and
neuroprotective properties. For this reason, it could provide various
health benefits, these are:
1. Could prevent premature aging
It has been shown that black garlic contains abundant
antioxidant compounds such as polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids and cysteine,
these are obtained thanks to the fermentation process of fresh garlic, and in
the body they help to neutralize cell damage caused by free radicals,
preventing aging early and improving diseases such as diabetes.
2. Help prevent and treat cancer
Apparently, some studies indicate that black garlic increases
the death of tumor cells and inhibits their growth and invasion, decreasing the
size of the tumor and preventing metastasis in different types of cancer,
mainly in the stomach, colon and lymphomas.
3. Lose weight and control dyslipidemia
Black garlic may help reduce body weight when combined with
exercise, because it increases metabolism and reduces the size of
fat-containing cells in the abdominal region, called adipocytes. In
addition to this, it could also help regulate insulin and blood sugar levels,
helping not only diabetics but also controlling appetite.
In addition to this, it also reduces triglycerides and LDL
cholesterol in the blood, increasing the good HDL. According to a study
the consumption of 6 grams per day of black garlic could exert a
cardioprotective effect, preventing atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
4. It is anti-inflammatory
Some studies have suggested that thanks to the anti-inflammatory
properties of black garlic, it could help fight diseases and septicemia, since
it stimulates the body's defense cells, in addition to hindering the production
of pro-inflammatory cells.
5. Improve memory
Black garlic could help improve memory and protect the nervous
system, since it exerts an anti-ananemic effect, improves cognitive processes
and prevents neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity, preventing neurodegenerative
diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Apparently, according to a study, the daily intake of 12.5 mg to
50 mg per kg of weight could exert this neuroprotective effect.
6. Protect the liver
The liver is an organ vulnerable to the use of medicines,
chemicals, alcohol, infections and supplements. Some studies have shown
that a daily intake of 200 mg / kg of body weight may help protect the liver
from the side effects of medications, including hepatotoxicity, and recover
cellular damage.
In addition to this, it could also help improve liver diseases
such as fatty liver, favoring the decrease of fat accumulated in this
organ.
How black garlic is obtained
Black garlic is obtained from fresh garlic, through a
fermentation process that is carried out at a controlled temperature that is
between 60 and 90 ºC, and with a humidity between 70 and 90% for a period of
weather.
This fermentation process causes the garlic to darken because
some components of garlic, such as allicin, are transformed and give rise to
alkaloids and flavonoids that give black garlic its properties.
How to use black garlic
Black garlic gives a pleasant flavor to meals, and can be used
in various ways, such as: in the preparation of sauces, mixing crushed garlic
with soy sauce or olive oil, to season foods such as meats, salads or pasta and
garlic bread.
In addition to this, there are currently also black garlic
supplements, which can be purchased through online stores or natural products. It
is important to read the manufacturer's instructions and if possible consult a
phytotherapist, since the dose will depend on what you want to be used for.
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