Garlic is one of the most common ingredients used in almost every household. Every mother, be it Indian or Italian, uses it in her dishes to bring out that earthy aroma from a pot of meat or vegetables. It’s a hit ingredient when it comes to homestyle cooking, and not just for the flavor; it packs quite a lot of health benefits too.
Now while the usual white-ish garlic is what you must’ve seen, have you ever heard about black garlic? Yep, something like that does exist!
While regular garlic is considered to be a superfood in itself, black garlic (its aged version) is even more deep in terms of flavor and is loaded with truckloads of nutritional benefits. How? Well, stick around to find out!
Black garlic – What is it?
Black garlic is the fermented form of regular garlic. The process of its fermentation promotes the darkening of the pods and forms a jelly-like consistency. It also eliminates the strong notorious smell of the raw garlic and gives it a sweet and tangy taste which is very similar to balsamic vinegar and figs.
Black garlic has only recently started to become very popular among foodies and chefs, but people of Asian countries like Thailand, Japan, and South Korea have been consuming it for centuries. It can be eaten as a whole food or seasoning, as well as a health supplement.
Benefits of incorporating garlic in your diet
By now you must be aware that garlic cloves consist of numerous health benefits. These little bite-sized pieces are loaded with impeccable nutritional values, including amino acids, flavonoids, and much more. Doctors believe that the consumption of garlic on a regular basis can prevent the human body from having a variety of serious diseases, some even fatal.
Here are a few health conditions that can be managed better with the use of black garlic:
- Blood sugar and obesity
Studies prove that black garlic helps in stabilizing blood sugar levels, especially in people who are considered obese and diagnosed with diabetes. There is much evidence that suggests this superfood can help in preventing diabetes-related complications, and also improve the metabolic rate in an obese person.
- Heart health
Research claims that black garlic works like a miracle when it comes to heart health. It helps in repairing heart muscle damage that’s usually caused due to a condition named ischemia. And that’s not it! Consumption of black garlic also reduces the risk of heart diseases and promotes stabilization of cholesterol levels.
- Brain health
Black garlic is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which is why it’s great for alleviating inflammation. Meaning, it has all the potential to prevent diseases like Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
What did we learn?
There’s no doubt about the fact that garlic is one food item that tops the list of superfoods. This is why our ancestors have been using it in all forms, be it raw (fresh) or fermented (aged). Usually, the consumption of garlic doesn’t really promote the occurrence of any side effects, but in some cases, it can cause diarrhea, heartburns, gas, nausea, and irritation around the gastrointestinal tract. If you face any such condition, it’s advised to stop the consumption and talk to a physician immediately.
