The Naturopath's Kitchen

For more than 25 years now Teneille has been working in natural healthcare as a degree qualified Naturopath. Many of these years she has been a headline keynote speaker around Australia & New Zealand where she presented educational seminars to other healthcare practitioners.

It is really important to question where your health & food information comes from - to ensure you are getting expert knowledge. Teneille is excited to share her knowledge with you - so you can optimise your health! This library of information will continue to grow.

Black Garlic & Health - Top 3 Facts

1. Antioxidant Properties: Black garlic contains higher levels of antioxidants compared to fresh garlic. These antioxidants, such as S-allyl-cysteine (SAC), may help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

   • Reference: Lee YR, Li C. Food Chemistry, 2021; 342: 128277. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.128277 
     
     

2. Cardiovascular Health: Consumption of black garlic has been associated with improvements in cardiovascular health. It may help in supporting healthy cholesterol levels, supporting healthy blood pressure, and promoting healthy blood vessel function.

   • Reference: Kimura S et al. Journal of Food and Drug Analysis, 2017; 25(1): 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfda.2016.07.005
     
     

3. Immune System Support: The compounds found in black garlic, such as allicin and SAC, possess immune-supporting properties. Regular consumption may help support healthy immune system function.

   • Reference: Colín-González, A. L et al. 2014; 14(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2867-14-21

These health benefits make black garlic a popular choice for culinary and health purposes. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating it into your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.

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Black Garlic & Cardiovascular Health

A recent study published in the research journal ‘Nutrients’ examined the effects of black garlic consumption on heart health, specifically focusing on endothelial function (blood vessel lining) and blood lipid profiles.

The study involved participants with and without hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol) who consumed black garlic daily for 12 weeks.

Results showed significant improvements in heart-related biomarkers, including reduced levels of endothelial adhesion molecules and increased Apolipoprotein A1, suggesting that black garlic may help lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, more long-term studies are needed to confirm these findings.

For more details, you can access the full study here.

Villaño D, Marhuenda J, Arcusa R et al. Effect of Black Garlic Consumption on Endothelial Function and Lipid Profile: A Before-and-After Study in Hypercholesterolemic and Non-Hypercholesterolemic Subjects. Nutrients. 2023; 15(14): 3138. doi: 10.3390/nu15143138.