Slimming Superfood: How To Use Garlic For Weight Loss?

Written by: Kaushik Jethva

Last Updated: August 25, 2023

sliced garlic garlic clove garlic bulb in wicker basket
sliced garlic garlic clove garlic bulb in wicker basket

Garlic, an ingredient renowned for its medicinal properties and powerful health-promoting compounds, has been part of our culinary and medicinal history for thousands of years. Beyond its use in savory dishes and salad dressings, did you know garlic has been touted as a secret weapon to aid in the weight loss journey? Here, we’ll dive deep into understanding how to use garlic for weight loss and the best ways to consume it for optimal results.

1 Understanding the Power of Garlic

Garlic Cloves and Health Benefits

garlic cloves with garlic on wooden tray and spoon
Garlic Cloves with Garlic on wooden tray and spoon

Garlic cloves are a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in sulphur-containing compounds, the medicinal properties of garlic have been linked to multiple benefits such as promoting smooth blood flow, relaxing blood vessels, and even aiding in weight loss. The sulphur-containing compounds found in garlic are believed to have a significant role in burning fat.

Garlic and Heart Disease

A potent benefit of garlic is how it benefits our heart. Garlic helps lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease. For those on a weight loss journey, considering garlic supplementation can bring about other health benefits, especially for the heart.

2 How Garlic Aids in Weight Loss

  • Empty Stomach Benefits: Consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach can be beneficial for weight loss. This practice is believed to stimulate the digestive system, aiding in faster metabolism.
  • Appetite Suppressant: Garlic acts as a natural appetite suppressant. Eating garlic makes you feel full for longer, thereby reducing the chances of overeating.
  • Burns Belly Fat: The sulphur-containing compounds in garlic have shown potential in helping burn belly fat. This not only aids in weight loss but also improves overall body weight management.
  • Boosts Metabolism: Regular intake of garlic can give a significant boost to your metabolism, promoting weight loss and healthy weight management.

3 The Potent Power of Garlic for Weight Loss

Raw Garlic – A Nutritional Powerhouse

Garlic, especially when consumed in its raw form, is a treasure trove of health-promoting compounds. One garlic clove contains vitamins, minerals, and sulphur-containing compounds. These compounds are believed to be responsible for most of garlic’s health benefits.

Benefits on Blood Pressure and Heart Disease

Raw garlic has been known to lower blood pressure, making it vital for those with high blood pressure. It relaxes blood vessels and ensures smooth blood flow, reducing the risk of heart disease. When our blood vessels are relaxed, our body can transport nutrients more efficiently, aiding in overall weight management.

Role in Weight Loss and Belly Fat Reduction

Eating garlic has been linked to a reduction in body weight and belly fat. Consuming garlic increases metabolism, which can help burn belly fat. Furthermore, garlic acts as a natural appetite suppressant, ensuring you eat less and aiding in weight loss.

garlic cloves in a bowl
Garlic cloves in a bowl

Complementing with Lemon Juice and Honey

Garlic and honey, as well as garlic and lemon juice, make for powerful combinations. Both garlic and lemon juice can enhance your metabolism, while raw honey is an excellent sweet liquid that’s far healthier than table sugar. Consuming honey, especially the unpasteurized variant, provides numerous health benefits without the caloric overload of table sugar.

A popular method involves consuming crushed garlic with warm water, adding lemon juice, and a touch of honey. Not only can this mixture aid in burning fat, but it also helps detoxify the system and boost immunity.

Digestive System Benefits

Consuming raw garlic on an empty stomach can jumpstart the digestive system. It can help in eliminating toxins and ensuring a healthy, smooth-functioning gut – a critical factor in any weight loss journey.

4 Best Ways to Consume Garlic to Lose Weight

  • Raw Garlic: Eating garlic in its raw form is the most potent way to make the most of its weight loss benefits. Many prefer to eat garlic first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. Crushing garlic and consuming it with a glass of warm water is a popular method.
  • Garlic and Honey: Combining garlic and honey can enhance the weight loss effects. While garlic jumpstarts the fat-burning process, honey, a sweet liquid, acts as a natural sugar, providing energy without the ill effects of table sugar. Ensure that the honey completely covers the crushed garlic to make a palatable mixture. Prefer using unpasteurized honey instead of processed honey to maximize benefits.
  • Garlic, Lemon Juice, and Warm Water: Another effective way to consume garlic for weight loss is to mix crushed garlic, lemon juice, and warm water. Lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, complements garlic’s benefits, aiding in further weight reduction.
  • Aged Garlic Extract: While many swear by the effects of raw garlic, not everyone can handle its potent taste. Aged garlic extract, which is available in the form of garlic supplements, offers a less pungent option for those looking to enjoy garlic for weight loss benefits.
  • Garlic Oil and Supplements: For those who cannot consume whole garlic cloves, garlic oil, and garlic powder supplements are available alternatives. Ensure that the supplements you opt for are of good quality.

5 Different Forms of Garlic and Their Benefits

jar of garlic oil
Jar of garlic oil
  • Raw Garlic Cloves: Best consumed on an empty stomach, eating whole garlic cloves can jumpstart your metabolism. Crushed garlic, when allowed to sit for a few minutes, activates its sulphur-containing compounds, amplifying its health benefits.
  • Aged Garlic Extract: A potent form of garlic, aged garlic extract is known to have a host of benefits, including supporting heart health and ensuring smooth blood flow.
  • Garlic Oil & Supplements: These can be useful for those who want to avoid the strong taste of raw garlic. Garlic supplements, like garlic powder supplements, offer a concentrated dose of the essential compounds without the intense flavor.

However, it’s worth noting that while supplements like garlic powder can offer numerous benefits, consuming whole garlic cloves provides a richer array of compounds.

6 How to Incorporate Garlic in Your Diet

  • Salad Dressings: Add crushed garlic to your homemade salad dressings. This not only boosts flavor but also ups the nutritional value.
  • Homemade Garlic Oil: Making your own garlic oil can be an excellent way to get the benefits of both garlic and healthy oils. Drizzle it on salads or use it for cooking.
  • Garlic Supplements: For those who wish to avoid the strong taste of raw garlic, garlic supplements, like garlic powder or garlic powder supplements, offer a balanced way to incorporate it into their diet.

7 Points to Consider

  • Balance with a Healthy Diet: While garlic can aid in weight loss, it should be a part of a balanced diet. Pairing garlic with a healthy diet and regular exercise will yield the best results.
  • Avoid Too Much Garlic: Consuming too much garlic can lead to digestive system issues. It’s crucial to find a balance and consume it in moderation.
  • Blood Pressure Watch: While garlic lowers blood pressure, those with already low blood pressure should consult a physician before heavily incorporating garlic into their diet.
  • Not for Everyone: People with conditions like chronic liver disease or those on specific medications should be cautious and consult their healthcare providers before consuming excessive garlic.

8 Wrapping Up

Garlic for weight loss is not just a fad. It’s backed by science and centuries of usage. Combined with a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, and regular exercise, garlic can be a game-changer in your weight loss journey.

Moreover, other sulfur-containing compounds in garlic offer numerous other health benefits. Whether you choose to eat garlic raw, as garlic powder, or even as a supplement, you’re on the right track.

Lastly, remember that weight loss isn’t just about consuming the right things, but it’s also about consistency, determination, and adopting a holistic approach. As you incorporate garlic into your diet, ensure you balance it with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. With these in place, you’re sure to embark on a successful weight loss journey with garlic as your loyal companion.

Community Q&A

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About This Article

Kaushik Jethva
Written by: Kaushik Jethva author

This article has been viewed 303 times.

spinner
1 votes - 100.00%
Updated: August 25, 2023
Views: 303 views