Find out why scientists believe a common kitchen staple might be the key to better heart health and disease prevention. Study: Exploring the health benefits of raw white garlic consumption in humans: a mini review . Image Credit: New Africa / Shutterstock In a recent review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition , researchers collated available data from two online scientific repositories to elucidate the potential health benefits of raw white garlic consumption on human well-being.
Their literature search identified 22 relevant studies (12 clinical trials, including seven randomized controlled trials [RCTs], and 10 observational investigations). Study findings suggest that raw white garlic consumption can significantly improve specific cardiometabolic biomarkers, such as lowering total/serum cholesterol, reducing triglyceride levels, and improving high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Additionally, it was found to enhance anthropometric measures like body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio, and fibrinolytic activity, which is critical for blood clot breakdown.
Moreover, these improvements are linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancers, prehypertension, diabetes (insulin homeostasis), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, it is important to note that three of the clinical trials reviewed did not find significant health benefits associated with raw white garlic consumption. This highlights the variability in study outcomes an.