If you’re a fan of garlic, you’ve probably heard that it has many health benefits. Studies have shown that garlic can help lower cholesterol, decrease inflammation in the body, and even reduce the risk of certain cancers.
But is garlic really a miracle cure-all? And what are the potential side effects that come with taking garlic supplements? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
The Benefits vs. The Risks
First off, let’s talk about the potential benefits of taking garlic supplements. Studies have found that regular consumption of garlic can help reduce high cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure, both important factors for heart health.
It may also help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall immune system function.
Additionally, some studies suggest that regular consumption of garlic may help prevent certain types of cancer from developing or spreading.
Now on to the risks associated with taking too much garlic or taking it in supplement form rather than eating it fresh: Garlic can thin your blood just like aspirin does, so if you already take blood thinners or aspirin regularly, adding a lot more garlic to your diet could actually be dangerous and increase your risk for bleeding problems.
Additionally, large doses of garlic can irritate your stomach lining and lead to nausea or vomiting.
Some people may also experience an allergic reaction when they consume large amounts of raw or cooked garlic — symptoms include itchiness, skin rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and dizziness — so proceed with caution if you think you might be allergic!
Finally, while there is little evidence to suggest that consuming large amounts of garlic will harm your liver specifically (which is great news!), it’s still best not to overdo it as too much of anything can be bad for our bodies in general.
Who Shouldn't Take Garlic Supplements?
Garlic supplements should not be taken by pregnant women unless otherwise recommended by their doctor because excessive consumption could cause premature labor or other complications during pregnancy.
Additionally, if you suffer from any chronic medical conditions or take any regular medications for them (including blood thinners), speak with your doctor before taking any dietary supplements including those containing garlic.
Finally, anyone under 18 should not take a dietary supplement without consulting their doctor first as well since their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly which makes them more sensitive to potential side effects from such supplements than adults are.
Conclusion
As we've seen here today, there are both pros and cons associated with taking dietary supplements containing garlic - so it's important to do your research before deciding whether they're right for you!
That being said, moderate consumption of fresh or cooked garlic (1-2 cloves per day) is generally considered safe for most healthy adults without any contraindications - just make sure to speak with your doctor first if you have any underlying medical conditions before making any major changes to your diet!
And remember - no matter how healthy something may be touted as being - moderation is always key when it comes to our physical well-being!
And, as always, keep on reading...
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