The basics of healthy living are no secret: eat well, exercise, get enough sleep and drink plenty of water but what exactly does “eat well” mean?  Every time you read another article, there’s a new “in” diet touting its health benefits. High carb? Low carb? No carb? High protein?  Vegetarian?  There are so many options that its easy to get confused. In general, healthy eating includes eating a balanced diet with lots of healthy produce like garlic. So why talk about black garlic?  Here’s how black garlic can keep you healthy all year round.

Why black garlic vs. white garlic?

We get this question a lot! White garlic is a very healthy choice! However, black garlic can be even better. From a nutritional point of view, black garlic has a similar content of allicin, the active ingredient in white garlic, but without the odor and tastes sweet.  Black garlic is also rich in amino acids and has almost double the amount of antioxidants when compared to white garlic. In addition, black garlic contains an additional compound called S-Allycysteine (SAC) in very high concentrations, compared to white garlic. So yes, it’s worth taking a second look at black garlic over white garlic!

The health benefits of black garlic

Nutritional Scientists found that each clove of garlic contains 400 plus beneficial compounds. It can help the heart reduce homocysteine levels in the bloodstream. Homocysteine is an amino acid which damages arterial walls and encourages the deposition of cholesterol onto the arteries. It boosts circulation by increasing the production of hydrogen sulphide that may be of benefit in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and aid normal clotting, like taking low dosage aspirin. Garlic stimulates white blood cell activity required by the immune system for fighting infections.

Dieters love the fact that while garlic is highly nutritious, it contains very few calories. One clove (3 grams) of raw garlic contains:

  • Manganese: 2% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Vitamin B6:2% of the DV
  • Vitamin C: 1% of the DV
  • Selenium: 1% of the DV
  • Fiber: 0.06 grams
  • Amounts of calcium, copper, potassium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin B1

Interest in garlic, especially black garlic, spikes in the winter months because black garlic can fight the common cold by reducing its symptoms substantially. As a matter of fact,  one study found that a high dose of aged garlic extract (2.56 grams per day) reduced the number of days sick with cold or flu by 61%.

Where does black garlic come from?

Black garlic comes from regular garlic exposed to temperatures between 140 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of three to four weeks. The process makes garlic age faster, leading to its dark color. You can use black garlic in recipes that call for white garlic. However, if you prefer to avoid the taste of garlic altogether, a better option may be to take a high quality supplement containing black garlic. One such supplement, Black 4 Health, is plant-based food with black radish root, black cumin seed, black garlic and black peppercorn, containing high levels of body ready healing botanicals. The supplement contains Liposome Complex for optimal absorption and utilization and helps support liver function, body detoxification, clear skin, cholesterol, blood pressure regulation, weight management, circulation and the immune system with nearly ten times more antioxidants than regular garlic.

If you’re looking for a way to live a healthier life, black garlic may be what you’re looking for. Black garlic can keep you healthy all year round!