How to Eat Raw Garlic Without Burning Your Mouth
Garlic is packed with health benefits, but eating it raw can cause discomfort such as mouth burning, heartburn, and digestive issues. Fortunately, proper preparation can help minimize these effects.
Minimizing Discomfort
Raw garlic’s potency comes from allicin, which can irritate the mouth and stomach. To reduce its harshness, chop or crush garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes before consuming. Mixing it with foods like honey, vinegar, yogurt, or olive oil can also make it gentler on digestion.
The Power of Allicin
Allicin is garlic’s key compound, offering antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits. It is best preserved in raw garlic since heat quickly degrades it. Allicin helps regulate blood sugar, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and support heart health.
Recommended Intake
The World Health Organization suggests 2 to 5 grams of raw garlic daily (about 2 to 3 cloves) for optimal health benefits. Excessive intake may cause stomach discomfort and body odor, so moderation is important.
Raw garlic is a powerful superfood, but its intensity can be managed with proper preparation. By pairing it with other foods and allowing allicin to develop, you can enjoy its health benefits without the burn.
