Can consuming garlic in summers cause heat stroke?
Garlic has an ingredient named allicin that is antibacterial and antifungal. Garlic has been used to cure wounds, infections, and even respiratory conditions for centuries. It’s known to fight off usual bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, and it even works on antibiotic-resistant bacteria. You can have it raw, use it in cooking, or take it as a supplement. Crushed or chopped garlic releases allicin, making it more potent. Regular use can also help boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and support heart health, making it a must-have in any natural medicine cabinet.
Since ages, we have been told about the numerous health benefits of eating garlic daily so much so that it is believed that chewing one garlic pod in the morning can keep ailments and infections at bay, but is it actually true? And what happens when you raw eat garlic every day in summers and can this garlic lead to sun strokes? Well, here’s all you need to know about garlic and is it safe to eat them raw in the summer?
Why garlic?
Garlic also known as Allium sativum is an age-old spice, which has been extensively used in day to day cooking. In fact, this potent spice has also been used for its powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal and heart healthy properties, which makes it no less than a superfood, when consumed raw. But do you know what happens when you eat raw garlic in the summer?
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, garlic reduces kidney stress, regulates blood pressure, keeps infections away, and promotes general immune response, making it an excellent way to keep your kidneys healthy.
Is it safe to eat raw garlic?
Garlic is generally considered safe to consume raw, but due to its warm potency consuming an excess of garlic cloves can also lead to generation of body heat, which may lead to an imbalance in the body. This is because according to Ayurveda and traditional medicine systems, raw garlic has heat-inducing properties known as ‘Ushna’in nature. This means it can raise the body’s internal temperature when consumed in large amounts. This is why the best way to eat raw garlic daily is during winters and other cold seasons.
Is garlic good or bad?
Eating garlic in moderate quantities will not directly cause heat stroke. Heat stroke is a serious condition caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, often combined with dehydration. It occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature, not simply from eating certain foods.However, consuming too much garlic in extremely hot weather, especially without enough water intake, could potentially exacerbate feelings of heat, dehydration, or irritation.
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What does Ayurveda say?
The impact of garlic may also depend on the individuals. According to ayurveda, eating garlic may generally lead to pitta doshas body type, which are prone to body heat, acid reflux, or inflammation, large amounts of garlic in summer may make you feel hotter or cause symptoms like heartburn or body discomfort. This is especially true if it’s consumed raw or in spicy dishes that already heat up the body.Also, those who are already dehydrated or experiencing fatigue due to heat should avoid spicy or pungent foods including garlic—until they’ve cooled down and rehydrated.
How to consume Garlic safely in summer
You don’t have to give up garlic entirely in the summer. Here are a few tips:
Use cooked garlic instead of raw garlic, it is gentle on the stomach and less heat-inducing.
Pair garlic with cooling foods like yogurt, cucumber, or mint chutney to balance its heat.
Stay well-hydrated throughout the day to counteract any heating effects.
Avoid garlic-heavy meals if you’re already overheated or working in the sun.
