Myths About Garlic Consumption and The Facts

Garlic is one of the best known foods for its medicinal properties. However, there are myths surrounding its consumption that are is best to debunk.

Reviewed and approved by the doctor Leonardo Biolatto.

Written by Daniela Echeverri Castro

Last update: 05 December, 2022

There are several myths about garlic consumption that have generated confusion about its properties. While it is true that garlic is a nutritious and healthy food, some of the “almost miraculous” effects attributed to it aren’t really true.

Like other foods, this bulb can contribute to health care when included in a healthy and balanced diet. And although its pharmacological potential has been extensively studied, certain effects are nothing more than false beliefs.

Interested in learning more about it? We’ll tell you all about it in detail here.

The four main myths about garlic consumption and the facts

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is a spice widely used in Mediterranean cuisine and in other parts of the world. It’s often used to season meats, fish, soups, and rice dishes, among many other recipes. It’s also an ingredient that’s highly valued for its medicinal properties.

As compiled in a review in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine, its main active compound, allicin, confers antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, antiproliferative, and antiviral effects.

Thus, on its own or as a complementary therapy, its intake helps in the prevention and treatment of various health disorders. The problem? Many of its effects are not as magical as some people think. In fact, several of its applications have even been labeled as myths. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Eating garlic on an empty stomach can promote weight loss

One of the most widespread myths about garlic consumption is that consuming it on an empty stomach can help you lose weight. It’s claimed that chewing a clove of garlic first thing in the morning – alone or combined with a spoonful of olive oil or honey – activates the metabolism and promotes fat burning.

However, these claims have been refuted by doctors, nutritionists, and scientists alike. First of all, there is no evidence that eating garlic on an empty stomach has a better effect than eating it at other time of the day.

On the other hand, there’s no food or compound that by itself can generate significant weight loss. The process of losing weight requires a multidisciplinary approach, in which nutritionists, doctors, physical trainers, and even psychologists must be involved.

There are multiple factors that affect weight gain and obesity, so it’s necessary to address them in a comprehensive manner to achieve a healthy and stable weight in the long term. In addition to this, it’s also necessary to consider the individual characteristics of each person to obtain a personalized plan.

What the science says about garlic and weight loss

It’s clear that garlic alone does not help to lose weight. However, including it as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet can be beneficial.

A meta-analysis reported in the International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research found that garlic supplements do not have a significant effect on body weight or body mass index (BMI). Despite this, they do appear to help reduce waist circumference in obese patients.

In fact, a study shared in Advanced Biomedical Research reported that garlic supplementation promotes the reduction of body weight and fat mass in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Other animal studies have yielded similar results. However, in these cases, products such as garlic oil and garlic extract have been used instead of raw garlic.

2. Garlic can be used to detoxify the blood

There are those who consume raw garlic with the idea of “purifying” or “detoxifying” the blood. The argument is that the sulfur compounds in this food can promote the elimination of toxins from the blood by stimulating liver function.

But is this really true? Unfortunately, this is another one of the many myths about garlic.

There’s no scientific evidence that raw garlic, aged garlic, or any supplement of this food cleanses the blood. On the contrary, medical and nutritional experts warn that anything that claims to “detoxify” is likely to do no good.

The reason is very simple: both the liver and kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood and breaking down waste substances. Thus, as long as these organs are healthy, it’s not necessary to consume external aids for the process to be completed optimally.

Of course, garlic is one of many foods that provide essential nutrients for the proper functioning of these organs. However,  just as in the previous case, garlic alone is not a purifier.

3. Garlic can be used to treat COVID-19

One of the most widespread myths during the COVID-19 pandemic was that garlic consumption could “cure” the disease. According to its proponents, it would be enough to chop 8 cloves of raw garlic and introduce them into 3 liters of boiling water. Once an infusion was obtained, it could “magically” alleviate the symptoms.

Of course, this is far from reality. Despite being a food with antimicrobial and antiviral potential, garlic alone can’t eliminate the coronavirus or its clinical manifestations. And although it’s a harmless remedy for most people, it’s unlikely to work to cure anything.

Studies on garlic and its potential against COVID-19

For now, health professionals agree that garlic is not a treatment for COVID-19. In spite of this, there are some scientific publications that speak of its possible benefits against this disease.

In fact, inNutrition Journal, scientists state that the organosulfur compounds and flavonoids in garlic have immunomodulatory effects that may be useful as an adjuvant therapy against the infection. In particular, it could contribute to reducing the side effects of drugs, since it makes it possible to reduce the dose used. However, larger and more conclusive studies are required.

However, the potential risks should not be overlooked. In a case report shared in Special Care in Dentistry , a patient suffered burns on her oral mucosa due to the daily intake of raw garlic as a measure to strengthen her immune system during the pandemic.

The same publication warns that this type of remedy can lead to abdominal and skin burns when used inappropriately.

4. Garlic has anti-cancer properties

Undoubtedly, this is one of the myths about garlic consumption that everyone should stop believing. Eating garlic raw, cooked, or in supplements cannot prevent or much less cure cancer. This idea comes from several preliminary and observational studies that speak of the anti-tumor potential of this spice.

In particular, it has been found to act against forms of cancer such as prostate, colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancer, among others. Even so, there is not enough evidence to consider it as a cancer treatment.

In addition, a statement from Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) states that the available evidence is not of sufficient quality to confirm garlic’s anticarcinogenic properties. It points out that more rigorous studies are required to determine its role against this disease more precisely.

Garlic: A healthy food, but not a miracle food

In short, including garlic in your regular diet can provide several health benefits. However, contrary to what many people think, by itself, it’s not miraculous nor is it a treatment option for diseases or excess weight.

In fact, it’s advisable to be cautious with its daily intake, especially raw, as it can cause nausea, burning in the mouth, and irritation in the stomach. It’s best to consume it in moderation and added to meals.

If you choose to choose its presentation in supplements, you must follow the manufacturer’s consumption recommendations. Above all, it’s essential to keep in mind that it can not replace any medical treatment.