Can raw garlic cause diarrhea?
Garlic, a member of the onion family, has been used for centuries to add flavor and medicinal value to dishes. With its pungent aroma and taste, garlic is regarded as one of the most versatile herbs in the world. It is rich in vitamins B6 and C as well as manganese, selenium, calcium and iron which all offer excellent health benefits.
However, there have been concerns about raw garlic’s effects on digestion. Some people claim that consuming raw garlic causes digestive issues such as diarrhea or upset stomachs.
So let’s discover if eating raw garlic can indeed cause diarrhea.
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea refers to having frequent loose stools than usual due to an increased amount of liquid expelled from the body along with them.
Commonly caused by viral infections or bacterial infections picked up through contaminated water or foodstuffs — in simpler terms receiving “the runs” more frequently than you should do naturally isn’t much fun at all!
Symptoms may include cramps or abdominal pain followed swiftly via watery stool which conversely results in dehydration if not treated appropriately
The Benefits of Eating Raw Garlic
Raw garlic is full of natural goodness and has several health benefits when eaten moderately:
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Helps prevent cardiovascular disease: Research suggests that allicin (a compound present only in fresh/raw/minced/prepared -NOT dried- ALLIUM vegetables) may help reduce cholesterol levels thereby improving heart function
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Moderates blood pressure: Allicitin itself has also been proven effectively able to improve hypertension
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Anti-inflammatory properties: It contains anti-inflammatory compounds like diallyl disulfide that helps alleviate inflammation throughout your entire body.
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Boost immune system strength–much like vitamin c it interferes with virus cell activity; preventing illnesses/disease myogenic cancerous growth (added bonus)
All these benefits without too much fuss, exclusive prescriptions or specialist appointments is a great deal!
But Can Raw Garlic Cause Diarrhea?
The short answer is yes, eating raw garlic can cause diarrhea. However it would not happen to everyone and this doesn’t mean raw garlic has no place in your diet.
According to research, excessive consumption of fresh/raw/minced/prepared -NOT dried- ALLIUM vegetables may irritate the GI tract and result in some bowel problems like gas, bloating and diarrhea. Symptoms are often reported more regular on those consuming higher intake levels than what they’re accustomed to.
It’s important to monitor how much raw garlic you consume at once because overloading your system with its active compounds could have an adverse effect such as intestinal distress.
On balance (it seems) – the key phrase here really seems to be MODERATION! Especially if you’re new to consuming large quantities of anything that might act as a deterrent when consumed for extended periods of time.
How Much Raw Garlic Should You Eat?
To avoid digestive issues caused by excessive consumption please follow these guidelines on appropriate amounts:
For Adults
You should aim for around one clove every 1-2 days although depending on factors such as gender/health condition it could vary from one person-to-another
For Children
Children should only eat small portions per week unless advised otherwise by health professionals due mainly thanks towards their delicate stomachs
In large enough volumes Too much of anything does become hazardous several studies warn against consuming vast amounts citing possible harmful effects.
Another thing worth mentioning–consumption enjoyment improves drastically when minced then added into sauces but don’t get me started-There’s [indeed] beauty even in chaos
Garlic is a highly nutritious food with plenty of health benefits. Its production has been linked with good heart function/reduce blood pressure,andanti-inflammatory/an boost to your immune system.
While raw garlic can have some drawbacks including diarrhea, proper consumption should ensure that your body reaps the rewards of this tasty superfood without experiencing any negative side-effects.
Garlic can be a delightful addition to various dishes – minced or even roasted-just enough so the flavor remains strong while preserving it’s health claims which comes at no risk.