Black Garlic - Overview, History Benefits, Precaution, Dosage, FAQ

What Is Black Garlic?

Black garlic is becoming more and more popular as a health food both domestically and internationally. Black Garlic is a ripened product of garlic. Garlic is ripened for approximately one month at a consistent temperature and humidity level to produce black garlic. Garlic is typically white, but as it ripens, its colour shifts and finally turns black. Due to its higher nutritional content than garlic, it has gained attention as a health food. As a result, both domestically and globally, the "Black Garlic Summit'' is conducted with black garlic as the topic. It is said that black garlic is native to Korea and it is currently becoming popular worldwide as a superfood.

Difference Between Garlic & Black Garlic

Garlic and black garlic may have similar appearances, yet they are very different in many ways. What makes a difference?

Garlic and black garlic have distinct flavours, aromas, and appearances. Garlic, as you may know, is a food with a white colour, a strong taste, and an intense smell. On the other hand, black garlic becomes black as it ages. Its texture and sweetness are similar to dried fruit. You shouldn't be concerned about garlic odours from black garlic because there is hardly any smell in it. Just by ageing garlic, it undergoes a completely different transformation.

Black garlic is packed with nutrients, which is more than the white garlic. Black garlic has a ripening process. Ingredients like Cycloariin, S-allyl cysteine, Arginine, Proline, Pyroglutamic acid, etc present in the garlic, which will increase during the ripening process. Moreover, the quantity of amino acids increases and is several times greater than that of garlic. Nowadays, black garlic has become relatively easy to obtain as it has been commercialised by various manufacturers and has also been made by hand. The amount of components also varies, as does the degree of ripening, which is dependent on temperature, humidity, and ripening period. In certain products,

• 3 times more arginine
• 16 times more S-allyl cysteine
• 6 times more total polyphenols
• 2 to 7 times more amino acids

The analysis's result indicates that this will rise. Selecting black garlic is crucial since it has more nutritional value than other types of garlic.

Benefits Of Black Garlic

Black garlic is a healthy food rich in various nutrients. Numerous positive impacts on your health and appearance are to be expected. Let’s first talk about the health benefits of its active ingredients. 

Arginine's health benefits: An amino acid called arginine is present in black garlic around three times more than regular garlic. It is expected to have a variety of benefits, such as eliminating ammonia, a chemical that contributes to exhaustion, and facilitating the body's healing process after exhaustion. Moreover, it increases insulin secretion.

Main Health Effects

• Promotes collagen production
• Prevents ageing of blood vessels
• Improve immunity
• Increase energy
• Wound healing/repair
• Fatigue recovery
• Suppresses rise in blood sugar level

Amino acid and polyphenols: Black garlic has a lot of amino acids and polyphenols that have health benefits. Among vegetables, it has the highest polyphenol concentration. It is believed that the potent antioxidant action of polyphenols can eliminate active oxygen, the culprit of ageing. It has also been discovered in recent years to have potent anti-allergic properties that reduce hay fever and other symptoms. Aside from amino acids, you can expect various health benefits.

Main health effects

• Improvement of allergies such as hay fever
• Improves sensitivity to cold
• Fatigue recovery
• Cold prevention
• Nutrition tonic
• Lifestyle disease prevention
• Prevention of high blood pressure

S-allyl cysteine and health benefits: S-allyl cysteine ​​is produced during the ripening process of garlic into black garlic. S-allyl cysteine has a potent antioxidant effect and stops the intestines' bad cholesterol and active oxygen from combining to cause ageing. It works well to stop the ageing effects of increased active oxygen on the skin, such as wrinkles, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, and other conditions. Research on the anti-cancer properties of S-allyl cysteine is still ongoing.

Main Health Effects

• Prevention of lifestyle-related diseases
• Fatigue recovery
• Makes blood thinner
• Anti-Ageing
• Prevention of diabetes
• Cancer suppression

Promote the release of male hormones: Eating black garlic will have the impact of increasing the secretion of masculine hormones. Male hormones contribute to the formation of muscles and bones and are one of the hormones that define "masculinity." The male hormone "testosterone" can be secreted more when black garlic is consumed. Black garlic is supposed to boost male hormones, which is thought to offer numerous advantages like boosting energy, sharpening focus, and building muscle. Since male hormone levels tend to decrease after the age of 20, it is recommended to replenish them with black garlic.

Boosts energy: Blood flow is stimulated by consuming black garlic, which gives you more energy. Having more energy can allow you to be more active and prevent problems linked to a certain lifestyle, like arteriosclerosis. It has also been mentioned that arteriosclerosis and impaired blood circulation are the causes of ED (erectile dysfunction), a term that has gained a lot of attention lately. Black garlic may help treat and prevent ED if it can increase blood circulation.

Recovery from fatigue: The third benefit is that adding black garlic can help you feel better physically and recover from fatigue. A component known as "arginine" is present in black garlic about three times more than in white garlic. This arginine helps to increase immunity, build muscle tissue, and stimulate growth hormones. If you are prone to catching colds, have difficulty getting rid of fatigue, or feel sluggish, you can expect improvement by incorporating black garlic.

Support Beautiful Skin: When women consume black garlic, they can expect benefits such as preventing skin irritation and keeping their skin clean. This is due to a compound found in black garlic called S-allyl cysteine, which effectively combats wrinkles, age spots, and rough skin while also preventing ageing. Black garlic also plays the previously indicated function of enhancing blood circulation, which keeps waste materials from building up in the skin and encourages turnover. Additionally, this stops the buildup of dead skin cells and pimples. Black garlic's "proline" and "pantothenic acid" also benefit the body in addition to S-allyl cysteine. It helps create beautiful skin, speeds up metabolism, and produces collagen.

Boosts body temperature: A lot of ladies experience cold sensitivity. Black garlic can increase the body's natural coldness. There are other varieties of cold-sensitive garlic, such as internal cold-type, which cools the stomach, and terminal cold-type, which causes the feet and fingers to grow chilly. Women are inherently more vulnerable to the cold than men since they have less muscle mass. The compound S-allyl cysteine, which is included in black garlic, helps the body's blood flow throughout the body, which enhances blood flow and effectively reduces cold sensitivity. Black garlic can also activate your body's sympathetic nerve system, which will result in a warming sensation throughout your body. Consider using black garlic in your diet if you are sensitive to the cold even in the summer or if you are always cold.

Black Garlic Dosage

The recommended daily intake of black garlic is about 1 to 3 cloves. There is no specific daily dosage for black garlic because it is a dietary item. It is not a medicine. Since it originated from garlic, eating too much of it can upset your stomach and create pain in your abdomen. Also, just because you eat a lot at once doesn't mean it will have a greater effect. Start with one piece a day if it's your first time eating it, and if you continue to do so, you may see visible results. It's safe to increase it gradually.

Precaution While Using Black Garlic

There are several cases in which consuming black garlic is not advised. If you're not sure whether to eat it or not, examine if it fits into any of the categories where consuming it is advised against.

• Allergic to garlic: Black garlic can also be avoided if you have a garlic allergy. Garlic contains a substance called diallyl disulfide, which can induce allergies and physiological abnormalities. In extreme circumstances, it may result in hives, anaphylactic shock, or even damage to the bronchial tubes. It is crucial to determine whether you have an allergy or not because ignoring a food allergy could have fatal consequences.
• Taking specific therapeutic drugs: You should think about eating black garlic if you are taking certain drugs or medication. "Diabetes drugs," "immunosuppressants," and "many other pills" are a few examples. Black garlic has chemicals that thin blood, therefore taking it together with diabetes medication may cause abnormal blood thinning. Also, if you take drugs or pills that suppress immunity with black garlic, there is a risk that the effects of the drugs will be weakened.
• Have a chronic disease: When it comes to the amino acids found in black garlic, people with diabetes need to be careful. After consumption, the amino acid cysteine, which is present in black garlic, increases the release of insulin. Speak with your doctor if you have diabetes already and are thinking about consuming black garlic.
• Following certain dietary restrictions: If you are following a restricted diet, you should think about eating black garlic. Black garlic is forbidden by some doctors, and those who are allergic to onions might not be able to eat black garlic too. There are risks associated with taking black garlic if you have dietary restrictions because it can harm your body.
• Easy to cause abdominal pain: Use caution when taking black garlic if you are prone to stomach or abdominal aches. This is due to an ingredient in garlic called allicin, which alters the environment in the intestines. Black garlic, which is produced by ageing and fermenting garlic, contains almost no allicin, so there is no need to worry about it causing stomach pain or stomach pain. However, those who tend to have abdominal pain or stomach pain should still be careful as it may cause diarrhoea or stomach discomfort. We recommend increasing the amount you eat little by little, or eating once and then waiting a while to see how it goes to your body.
• Avoid eating when you're hungry: Avoid eating black garlic when you're empty stomach. If you eat black garlic on an empty stomach, the irritation will be transmitted directly to the stomach mucosa, so even those who don't usually have heavy stomachs may feel uncomfortable. When consuming black garlic, aim to fill your stomach to the brim with food or liquids.
• Combine with high-protein foods: When eating black garlic, it is best to pair it with protein-rich foods. This is because black garlic's allicin attaches to proteins and is thought to have the effect of lessening gastrointestinal discomfort. Meat, fish, and dairy products are foods that are high in protein. Even the things you eat sometimes contain a lot of protein, so make sure to consciously incorporate them into your diet.

Possible Disadvantage Of Black Garlic

We will also explain the disadvantages of eating black garlic. It may cause stomach pain. As mentioned above, black garlic puts less stress on the stomach and intestines than white garlic, so there is little cause for concern, but it may cause abdominal pain. We advise you to check your condition and keep eating if you have a weak stomach, are prone to stomach upset or experience abdominal pain.

How To Store Black Garlic

Black garlic can be preserved in three major ways.

• Store at room temperature: It should be wrapped in newspaper or placed in a paper bag or net, and kept in a cool, shaded area with good ventilation. If it's homemade, it depends on the quality, but if it's commercially available, it can be stored for about 1 to 2 months.
• Store in the refrigerator: Put it in the fridge after sealing it in a ziplock bag. It is preferable to completely cool the black garlic before tightly sealing it. For about 6 months, it can be eaten deliciously while maintaining its quality.
• Store in Freezer: Place it in the freezer after sealing it in a ziplock bag. It is up to you whether or not to peel the skin before freezing. You can eat it immediately after taking it out or allow it to get to room temperature. Well, it doesn't freeze solid. The quality is the least likely to change, and it can be stored for about a year while maintaining its quality.

How To Eat Black Garlic

Consuming black garlic does not guarantee that you will feel the effects right away. It takes time to show results on the body.

Consume raw: Black garlic also contains allicin, the odorous component of garlic that has antimicrobial properties and helps people recover from exhaustion. Allicin is heat-sensitive, so adding it to hot food might not have the desired effect. We advise you to try eating black garlic as raw as possible if you frequently use it in hot meals.

Eat one or two slices a day: Eating excessive amounts of black garlic might result in heartburn, a feeling of fullness in the stomach, and abdominal pain because it contains some unpleasant components. Additionally, consuming black garlic does not guarantee that you will experience its benefits the next day. Eating one to two bulbs of black garlic every day is the key to success.

Use commercially available goods: Black garlic's nutritional value varies with temperature, humidity, ripening time, and other factors. The black garlic you are preparing yourself might not be fully mature. Let's check the humidity, temperature, ageing time, and other factors and allow it to ripen appropriately. Commercially available products also contain a lot of nutritious ingredients and are well-aged. If you've only ever eaten homemade black garlic, it might be a good idea to try a store-bought one.

Black Garlic Recipe

If you're sick of eating it raw every day, you can enjoy it deliciously by trying a little arrangement.

• For salad toppings: Cut the black garlic into slices and add them to the salad. The black colour that you don't find in other vegetables gives it an accent, making it a different and stylish salad.
• For dressing: Simply incorporate the black garlic into the dressing mixture. The mild garlicky flavour of this dressing makes it quite easy to eat. It can also be eaten raw, so you can eat it without sacrificing the nutritional value of black garlic.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Question) on Black Garlic

What benefits may black garlic offer?

Black garlic may offer antioxidant benefits, potential anticancer properties, and enhanced heart health due to its unique fermentation process.

What are the side effects of black garlic?

Side effects of black garlic are rare but excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort.

What makes black garlic so popular?

Black garlic is popular for its distinct umami-rich flavour, potential health benefits, and versatile culinary uses.

How can black garlic be prepared at home?

Black garlic can be prepared at home by fermenting fresh garlic bulbs at a controlled temperature and humidity.

Is it safe to prepare black garlic at home?

When prepared following proper fermentation guidelines, making black garlic at home is generally safe.

Is black garlic cooked or raw?

Black garlic is cooked through the fermentation process, not consumed raw.

How to make black garlic?

To make black garlic, place whole garlic bulbs in a fermenter, set optimal conditions for temperature and humidity, and wait for the fermentation process to occur over several weeks.

How to make black garlic at home?

Homemade black garlic involves the same fermentation process, requiring airtight containers and patience.

What is black garlic good for?

Black garlic is good for enhancing flavour in dishes, providing potential health benefits, and adding a unique touch to culinary creations.

Where to find black garlic?

Black garlic is available in speciality stores, gourmet markets, or online retailers.

How much black garlic to eat a day?

Daily black garlic consumption varies based on personal preferences and dietary needs, so there isn't a strict quantity recommendation.

How to make a black garlic fermenter?

Making a black garlic fermenter involves using a dedicated machine or following a homemade fermentation process using an airtight container, maintaining specific temperature and humidity conditions.