Raw garlic is considered a “nutritional powerhouse” due to its rich content of “sulfur compounds like allicin,” which are responsible for its distinctive odor and “numerous health benefits.”
Eating garlic raw is particularly beneficial, as cooking can diminish some of these valuable compounds.
Health Benefits of Eating Raw Garlic
- Improved Heart Health: Garlic supports cardiovascular function by “lowering blood pressure and reducing LDL cholesterol levels.” This can help prevent conditions such as hypertension.
- Enhanced Metabolism: Consuming garlic at night may “boost metabolism” because its sulfur compounds “stimulate the production of enzymes that break down fats and carbohydrates.”
- Detoxification: Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification processes by “stimulating liver enzymes that neutralize toxins,” helping to remove waste products that accumulate throughout the day.
- Fat Burning and Weight Management: The allicin in garlic can “enhance fat metabolism and inhibit fat cell formation,” which can “support weight loss and promote a leaner body composition.” It also helps in “regulating appetite.”
- Boosted Immune System: Garlic’s “antioxidants and sulfur compounds” strengthen the immune system, helping to “ward off infections and illnesses.”
- Better Sleep Quality: Due to its “calming effects on the nervous system,” garlic can “contribute to better sleep quality” by “reducing anxiety and stress.”
- Digestive and Oral Health: Garlic promotes “digestive health by stimulating the digestive system” and acting as a prebiotic that “supports beneficial gut bacteria.” It also supports “oral health with its antibacterial properties,” which can help combat harmful bacteria.
- Skin Health: Garlic’s “antioxidants” help fight free radicals, which can lead to “premature aging.”12 Its “antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects help treat acne and enhance blood circulation, leading to clearer, healthier skin.”
- Anti-Cancer Properties: Research suggests that garlic “may inhibit cancer cell growth,” potentially reducing the risk of certain cancers, such as stomach and colorectal cancers.
- Blood Sugar Regulation: Garlic can help “regulate blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism,” which is beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.

