In this brief guide, we will answer the question “can you overdose on garlic?” with an in-depth analysis of how we can overdose on garlic and why we should or not overdose on garlic.
Moreover, we will also discuss the potential health benefits of consuming garlic along with shedding light on the side effects of excess garlic consumption.
Can you overdose on garlic?
Yes, we can overdose on garlic easily. But it is more thoughtful to avoid adding too much to the diet in the first attempt.
Garlic:
Garlic is widely used as a spice. It belongs to the Allium sativum family. The same family as onions. This family consists of bulb-like plants that are richer in aroma than taste. Garlic is worldwide used to enhance the taste of the food dishes along with other spices.
Garlic is a wonderful source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, and other chemicals protecting from various illnesses. The constituents present in it provide various health benefits imparting a beneficial effect to the working of all organs of the body.
What is an overdose?
An overdose of something is an amount taken in excess or more than the recommended amount. This excess amount can have a deleterious impact on the health of a person.
Food overdose is the amount of food that results in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and food-borne illnesses in an individual.
What is the optimum best amount of garlic intake per day?
Taking 2 to 3 cloves of garlic per day is fine. This amount of garlic provides you the right amount of nutrients and micronutrients required by the body to work properly.
Taking what amount of garlic is considered an overdose?
Taking an amount more than the recommended daily intake(RDI) is considered a garlic overdose. Consumption of more than 5 to 6 cloves per day can cause adverse health effects so this quantity can be considered a garlic overdose.
The nutritional profile of garlic:
More than its nutritional composition, garlic is known for its health-inducing benefits.
Fibers, protein, and fats:
Nutritionally, garlic contains a small amount of fiber, protein, and fats. Almost less than 1 mg of these constituents is present in a single clove of garlic.
Carbohydrates:
It also contains a minute quantity of carbohydrates, not enough to impart a considerable effect.
Minerals:
Various minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium are present in garlic.
All these present in tiny amounts however, calcium has a bit more concentration than other minerals.
Calcium
Calcium is present up to 5 to 6 mg within a single garlic clove.
Amino acids:
Some essential amino acids are also present in garlic which can help in improving the health of your gums and also help in improving the overall function of the body as amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and enzymes.
Highly beneficial components of garlic:
Garlic contains classes of phytochemicals such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory chemicals, and phytonutrients.
The most distinguished components of garlic are Allicin and organosulfur compounds. Both these chemicals are involved in inducing the health maintaining effect of garlic.
These compounds are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive function of garlic.
Other FAQs about Garlic which you may be interested in.
Health benefits of garlic:
The health benefits of garlic include:
It helps lower the blood pressure:
Garlic, when taken in the diet, increases the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is responsible for dilating the blood vessels hence causing the lowering of blood pressure.
Remedy:
Taking 2 cloves of garlic empty stomach before breakfast, daily for 15 days is an effective remedy for treating hypertension.
It helps reduce inflammation:
Taking garlic in a diet regularly can protect your body from excessive inflammation.
Inflammation is caused by various internal as well external factors. This ultimately leads to the formation of cancerous cells in the body, torning of protective cartilages, rupturing of the cell lining of blood vessels, and causing diseases such as cancers, arthritis, fever, etc
It may help lower blood cholesterol levels:
Garlic contains chemicals that stimulate the normal functioning of liver cells hence restricting them from producing excessive cholesterol.
Also, the liver controls the body’s cholesterol count, so its proper functioning will lead to healthy cholesterol levels.
It strengthens the immune system:
Allicin, a major constituent of garlic, has an immune protecting capability. It provides the yield to the body by destroying the invading pathogens and hence strengthens the immune system.
Allicin is also known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties that is why it fights off a large variety of bacterias and viruses within the body and protects from diseases.
You can read how to make garlic bread here.
Conclusion:
In this brief guide, we have answered the question “can you overdose on garlic?” with an in-depth analysis of how we can overdose on garlic and why we should do or not overdose on garlic. Moreover, we have also discussed the potential health benefits of consuming garlic along with shedding light on the side effects of excess garlic consumption.
Citations:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-health-benefits-of-garlic
