These effects can vary considerably depending on the amount consumed, how the garlic is prepared, and the type of garlic supplement used.
For people concerned about heart health, eating garlic as part of a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, and other minimally processed foods is a much more realistic strategy than relying on garlic alone.
3. Garlic May Have Antimicrobial Properties
Another reason raw garlic has such a strong reputation is its potential antimicrobial activity.
Allicin and related sulfur compounds have demonstrated activity against certain microorganisms in laboratory studies. Traditional medicine has consequently used garlic for generations.
But there is an important distinction: antimicrobial activity in a laboratory is not the same as treating an infection in the human body.
If someone has a bacterial infection, garlic should never be substituted for antibiotics or other treatment prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.
4. It May Influence Blood Sugar and Metabolism
Researchers have also studied garlic in relation to blood glucose regulation and metabolic health.