Garlic with honey on an empty stomach – Benefits and ways to consume

Garlic and honey are common ingredients in the kitchen. Garlic is used to season and sauté foods, while honey sweetens fruit and yogurt.

But have you ever thought about consuming raw garlic with honey on an empty stomach? This combination has caused discussions on the internet. What benefits can it bring and what is the best way to use it?

Allicin

Garlic is endowed with numerous beneficial substances for the organism, among them, the best known is allicin.

In fact, what is found in garlic in natura is alliin, which is the main component of raw garlic and is the precursor substance of several other compounds, such as allicin.

What happens is that when a clove of garlic is cut, its cell walls break down, the enzyme alliinase is released and transforms alliin into allicin. Before consuming garlic, it is recommended to cut it, crush it and let it rest for at least 15 minutes so that the allicin is activated.

This means that there is no point in putting a head of garlic in a pot of honey, as this does not allow for good activation of allicin.

The Benefits

Both garlic and honey are ingredients used in traditional medicines around the world.

Among the benefits attributed to garlic is blood thinning, allowing blood to flow better between capillaries and arteries, which can help to offset a little blood pressure.

But, be careful: anyone who already knows they have high blood pressure needs to consult their doctor before using garlic to help their condition and should never change the treatment and medication recommended by the doctor just for using garlic, as this can be dangerous.

In addition, garlic is known to contribute to the immune system and to have antimicrobial action.

It is also believed that the more regular consumption of garlic can help to reduce the amount of fat in the blood, to regulate cholesterol levels, especially bad cholesterol, and to save the liver.

Honey is naturally rich in antioxidants and can also help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. Additionally, it is a source of vitamins and minerals, while having antimicrobial activity, just like garlic, being useful for immunity.

However, as honey is high in calories and high in carbohydrates, it should not be consumed in excess or in large amounts, but only in very moderate amounts.