Eating garlic is considered healthy. Studies actually suggest this - but it's probably not the tuber alone. Experts classify the facts and give tips against the smell.
Some people love garlic, others just find it disgusting. No matter how you treat it – the tuber is considered healthy. She delivers
- Carbohydrates,
- protein and
- Fiber, but also
- minerals,
- B vitamins as well
- vitamin C
But why does she smell so bad?
“The typical aroma of garlic is due to sulfur compounds,” explains Prof. Martin Smollich from the Institute for Empirical Medicine at the University Hospital in Lübeck. As soon as the cells are damaged by shedding, pressing or chewing, allicin is formed from the odorless sulfur-containing amino acid Allii - and that smells.
Allicin and ajonene, a sulfur compound that also has an intense smell, are said to have a blood-thinning and blood pressure-lowering effect. This is intended to prevent cardiovascular diseases or thrombosis. The sulfur compounds are also said to have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels and have a positive effect on growth processes.
According to studies, the tuber can also put an end to colds or prevent periodontitis. “It obviously works like a natural antibiotic,” says Daniela Krehl from the Bavarian Consumer Center.
However, Prof. Smollich emphasizes: “You cannot say that the beneficial influence on fat metabolism or blood circulation can be attributed to garlic alone.” The bottom line is that it comes down to the overall approach, says the expert.
Eating fresh garlic every day can't hurt. But it shouldn't be more than five grams per day, recommends nutrition expert Krehl. A higher dose could irritate the gastrointestinal tract and possibly lead to heartburn. In general, you should also pay attention to interactions between garlic products and medications, advises Krehl.
It is possible that garlic products increase the effect of anticoagulant medications and medicines that lower blood pressure and block other medications.
Anyone who regularly takes medication should always discuss the use of garlic products with their doctor.
What helps against smelly hands after cooking and against bad breath after eating?
“After eating, it can help to chew parsley, sage, mint, or some coffee beans,” says Smollich. Also worth a try if you're feeling a little more hard-boiled: chew a few pieces of lemon. “Even a glass of milk after eating can remove the smell of garlic from your mouth.”
To remove the smell from your hands, you can wash them with vinegar and lukewarm water, for example. Or rub some coffee grounds into your wet hands and wash them off.
Does garlic protect against COVID-19 infection or can garlic cure COVID-19?
No, eating garlic does not protect against infection nor can it cure COVID-19. Garlic is a healthy food that can also kill some germs. However, there is no evidence yet that garlic protects against COVID-19. See: Busted: Myths About COVID-19
Source: Nordbayern.de, Glomex
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