Black Garlic | Health Benefits & Culinary Uses

livewell
September 19, 2024
Noah Bennett

What is Black Garlic?

Black garlic is a kind of aged garlic. It undergoes fermentation under controlled heat and humidity conditions. Additionally, during fermentation, the garlic changes its color to black, has a soft, gluey texture, and a sweet and tangy taste. Moreover, this process involves no use of preservatives.

Furthermore, the fermentation process increases garlic’s antioxidant characteristics. Black garlic is commonly used in cooking and offers various health benefits. In this blog, we will explore its culinary uses and several health benefits.

What is Black Garlic Nutrition Profile?

The 15g of peeled black garlic contains the following nutrients:

20g of Calories
1g of Fat.
0.5g of Fiber.
2g of Carbohydrates.
0.5g of Protein.
4g of Sugar.

Black garlic also contains:

Vitamin C.
Vitamin B(B1,B2,B3).
Folate.
Magnesium.
Zinc.
Calcium.
Manganese.
Phosphorus.
Iron.

Furthermore, Black garlic contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids like fresh garlic. However, the fermentation process alters the concentration. One study concluded that fermented garlic contains high levels of riboflavin and many amino acids as compared to fresh garlic. However, it contains low thiamin and Vitamin C levels. Additionally, researchers found that the body can absorb the nutrients in black garlic more easily due to the fermentation process in making black garlic.

What are the Health Benefits of Black Garlic?

Some of the health benefits of Black garlic are:

Increase Amount of Antioxidants

Black garlic contains a higher number of antioxidants than raw garlic due to the aging process. Additionally, the pungent smell of garlic is due to a compound named “allicin” which transforms into antioxidants such as flavonoids and alkaloids. Moreover, antioxidants help protect the cells from oxidative stress and damage, which can cause several diseases. In 2014, researchers identified the increase in antioxidant properties in black garlic during the aging process.

Regulation of Blood Sugar Level

If a diabetic individual experiences uncontrolled high blood glucose, there is an increased complication risk, such as kidney damage, cardiovascular diseases, etc. In 2019, researchers conducted a study on a rat model where they were fed a diet rich in fat and sugar. Researchers then treated these rats with an extract of black garlic which led to low cholesterol levels, reduced inflammation, etc. Another study in 2009 concluded that black garlic has more antioxidants than raw garlic. Additionally, the researchers identified that the antioxidant characteristics of aged black garlic help prevent complications associated with diabetes. However, researchers need to conduct more studies on black garlic’s effect on blood sugar levels.

Reduces the risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Garlic improves health. Researchers conducted studies on an animal model to determine how black garlic lowers bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Moreover, researchers also discovered that black garlic increases good cholesterol levels, which could positively impact cardiovascular health. One animal model study compared the effect of raw garlic and black garlic on heart damage. The researchers concluded that both raw and black garlic improved heart health. In another study, the researchers identified the role of black garlic in lowering cholesterol and high triglyceride levels, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, there are conflicting results between human studies and animal studies. So, researchers need to conduct more studies to know the impact of black garlic on cardiovascular health.

Effect on Brain Health

Black garlic may prevent inflammation that can result in memory impairment and deteriorate brain functions. Researchers have suggested the role of inflammation in developing Alzheimer’s disease. One rat model study identified that black garlic helps reduce brain inflammation and enhances cognition. Similarly, another study identifies the role of black garlic in preventing oxidative stress damage that can cause memory impairment.

Anticancer Characteristics

Various studies indicate how black garlic is effective against cancer cells. In one study, the researcher found that the extract of black garlic solution was toxic to breast, liver, lung, and stomach cancer cells. Similarly, another study concluded that aged garlic extract effectively targets colorectal cancer cells. However, some studies show no significant effect of black garlic on cancer cells. So, researchers need to conduct more studies to identify the effect of black garlic on cancerous cells.

Liver Protection

Black garlic may protect the liver from damage caused by constant exposure to toxic chemicals, medications, microbes, etc. Researchers have identified the role of black garlic on liver health through various rat model studies. Additionally, black garlic may be helpful against certain chronic diseases. For example, one animal study concluded that black garlic helped improve liver damage caused by alcohol. Similarly, another study showed the impact of aged black garlic in reducing ALT and AST, thereby improving liver health.

Strengthens Immunity

Garlic boosts immunity and black garlic also helps boost and strengthen immunity. Additionally, black garlic protects an individual against several bacterial and viral infections and also improves digestive and respiratory system health. For example, one study found that black garlic increases the activity of immune cells such as macrophages and T-cells. Another study showed that black garlic possesses antimicrobial characteristics.

Effective for Weight Loss

An animal study found that black garlic has anti-obesity properties. The researchers fed the obese animals with black garlic and identified that black garlic is effective against obesity and helps in weight loss.

Detoxification of Heavy Metals

Researchers found that the sulfur compound in garlic helps protect the organ against heavy metal toxicity if garlic is consumed in high doses. One study concluded that taking garlic capsules reduces lead levels. Moreover, they also found that garlic reduces the symptoms of heavy metal poisoning such as headaches, hypertension, etc.

What are the Culinary Uses of Black Garlic?

Let’s explore some culinary benefits of Black Garlic

Increases Flavor

Black garlic enhances the flavor of various cuisines because of its tangy and sweet taste. It’s a great ingredient in various soups. It complements well with mushrooms, meat, etc. Moreover, adding black garlic into pasta sauces or sauces of other dishes gives a delightful flavor to these cuisines.

Adding Black Garlic to Dressings and Marinades

Add black garlic to different salad dressings giving them a savory taste. Similarly, incorporating black olives in meat marinades helps tenderize the meat and gives it a delightful taste.

Garnishing

Using black garlic for garnishing boosts flavor and presentation. Sprinkle it over various cuisines to make it attractive.

Seasoning

Pair black garlic with dry herbs and spices to make seasonings for chicken, beef, pasta, etc.

Examples of Black Garlic Recipes

Some examples of Black Garlic recipes are:

Black Garlic Pasta.
Black Garlic and Mushroom Risotto.
Black Garlic Roasted Chicken.
Malted Black Garlic Ice cream.
Black Garlic Butter.
Black Garlic and Rosemary Shortbread.
Black Garlic Puree.
Diced Lamb and Black Garlic Casserole.

What are the risks associated with Black Garlic?

The risks associated with Black garlic are rare, but some people may experience adverse reactions. Additionally, garlic can also interfere with certain drugs or medications. Thus, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary. Let’s discuss some of the risks in detail.

Medications

As garlic can result in blood thinning, so consuming it in large amounts can result in bleeding. Moreover, garlic can interact with certain blood-thinning medications such as Clopidogrel, Warfarin, Salicylate, etc. It can also interact with anti-HIV medication such as Saquinavir.

Risk of Allergic Reaction

Some individuals are allergic to garlic. The symptoms associated with garlic allergy are:

Inflammation of the skin.
Congestion.
Hives.
Sneezing.
Itchy eyes and nose.
Difficulty breathing.
Nausea.
Abdominal cramps.
Diarrhea.

These symptoms may appear after an hour or a couple of hours of consuming garlic. Consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms after consuming garlic.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Black garlic is an aged garlic that undergoes fermentation under controlled heat and humidity conditions. It offers culinary benefits because of its unique taste and flavor. Moreover, it provides various health benefits because of its nutritional profile. However, there are some risks associated with black garlic such as possible interaction with medications or adverse allergic reactions. Thus, mindful consumption is necessary. Moreover, consulting a healthcare professional is necessary if you experience any allergic reaction or taking any medication.

FAQ

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What is black garlic?

Black garlic is a kind of aged garlic. It undergoes fermentation under controlled heat and humidity conditions.

What are black garlic benefits or black garlic uses?

Black garlic offers culinary benefits because of its unique taste and flavor. Moreover, it provides various health benefits because of its nutritional profile.

What is black garlic flavor?

Black garlic has a soft, gluey texture, and a sweet and tangy taste.

What are the health benefits of black garlic?

It offers various health benefits such as detoxification of heavy metals, weight loss, protection against microbial infections, strengthening of the immune system, etc.

What are the culinary uses of Black Garlic?

Black garlic pairs well with various cuisines. You can add black garlic to dressings, marinades, seasonings, etc. Some examples are Black Garlic Pasta, Black Garlic and Mushroom Risotto, and Black Garlic Roasted Chicken.

Where can I buy Black garlic from?

You can buy it from grocery stores, online retailers like Amazon, and websites.