Garlic Consumption
Despite its unflattering reputation for causing foul-smelling breath, garlic is known as one the most health-beneficial spices. It is an immunity booster. It reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also has antibiotic properties and is widely known as a traditional toothache remedy.
Garlic’s various benefits are mainly attributed to allicin, an organosulfur bioactive compound in raw garlic or aqueous garlic extract. It is a potent antimicrobial compound that can inhibit the growth of various microorganisms in the mouth, as shown in a 2021 study. The microorganisms garlic destroys include S. mutans, which plays a major role in developing dental caries.
Allicin, however, is only abundant in the unprocessed form of garlic. Once dried and turned into powder form or deep-fried and packed as a snack, garlic loses most of its allicin due to evaporation or diluted in oils or processing liquids. As such, it is advisable to consume garlic raw or as a water-based extract. Chewing raw garlic will not be everyone’s cup of tea, though, so it would be better to consume it in abundant amounts added to favorite dishes.
