Quite possibly one of the best ingredients out there, both in terms of flavour and fragrance, and not to mention health benefits. Garlic does however, comes with its fair share of myths, which have left many of us wondering which ones are true, and which ones aren’t.

Though undeniably healthy, several myths revolving around the positive effects of garlic consumption specifically have been, for the most part, debunked. Yes, garlic is important when incorporated as part of a balanced, healthy diet, but much of its effects are not necessarily as miraculous as many people seem to think.

Read on to understand a little more exactly what we mean and how many things previously stated as facts are now being called myths:

Myths & Truths of Garlic

1. Does eating garlic on an empty stomach really promote weight loss? For years, many believed that chewing raw garlic first thing in the morning worked wonders at activating the metabolism and promoting fat burn. Recent studies however, have debunked this theory as nothing more than a myth. In fact, there is no evidence to support that consuming garlic on an empty stomach is any more beneficial than on a full stomach. Furthermore, there is currently enough evidence to support that no one food can promote weight loss entirely on its own, and such goals typically require a more holistic approach, consisting of balanced meals, adequate movement and exercise.
2. Does garlic really detoxify the blood? The belief here is that once again, the consumption of raw garlic can help eliminate toxins from the blood by stimulating liver function. The truth however, is that there is no strong evidence to support this theory, especially in today’s day and age where it’s believed that anything that claims to ‘detox’ is likely just a marketing gimmick. The fact is, both the liver and the kidneys are responsible for blood detoxification entirely on their own, so as long as both organs are healthy, no external aid is actually required for this purpose. Of course garlic can act as one of many foods that provide essential nutrients for the proper functioning of these organs, but alone, they are not a natural detoxification agent, but rather, work at optimum levels when paired with a balanced and healthy lifestyle and diet.
3. Does garlic really help cure illnesses and viruses? On its own, definitely not. Though full of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties, garlic alone does not heal chronic diseases. It can however, be helpful as part of a healthy balanced diet, as opposed to a substitute for medicine. You will of course, start to notice some overall health improvements over time, as is the case with most people practicing a healthy lifestyle, but we advise you manage your expectations and note that you will not experience any miraculous overnight changes.
4. Does garlic really break a fever? A hard no! The myth here being that rubbing raw garlic on the sole of one’s feet, or placing slices in their socks can help bring down a fever. The rationale being due to the antiviral properties in garlic and its ability to help with the immune system. This old-wives-tale however, has not only been disproven, but can also be dangerous, especially in the case of young children with sensitive skin as the close proximity of raw garlic can cause their skin to burn.

To conclude, a health food indeed, but best had as part of a balanced healthy diet and paired with an active and healthy lifestyle. Do not take them in place of medicine, do not rely on them to lose weight and certainly not for any detox purposes. Please feel free to share more garlic myths and truths in the comments!