What happens to the body when you have raw garlic on an empty stomach?
Published on: Aug. 8, 2025, 10:30 a.m. | Source: The Indian Express
Actress Soha Ali Khan has incorporated raw garlic into her morning routine for the past four weeks, claiming it's a "powerhouse for immunity, gut health, inflammation, and overall balance." She chews one raw clove on an empty stomach to activate allicin, then swallows it with water, advising crushing it and letting it rest for ten minutes if chewing is too pungent. Consultant dietitian Garima Goyal confirms that allicin, activated upon crushing, offers anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Potential benefits of regular raw garlic consumption over four weeks include improved immunity, better gut health (acting as a prebiotic), slight reductions in blood pressure and LDL cholesterol, natural detoxification support for the liver, and potential blood sugar regulation. However, Goyal stresses it's not for everyone: individuals with acid reflux, gastritis, IBS, those on blood thinners, or pregnant/lactating women should exercise caution or consult a doctor. For safe consumption, she recommends starting with half a crushed clove, allowing allicin to activate, and avoiding milk or tea immediately after. Goyal emphasizes that garlic is a food, not a medicine, and its benefits are realized through consistency as part of a balanced diet, not as a quick fix or replacement for medical treatment, especially for lifestyle diseases.
