Eating garlic has been shown to have a number of health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. However, there are also some diseases that may be avoided by eating garlic.
Heartburn and GERD
Garlic can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is the muscle that prevents stomach acid from backing up into the esophagus. This can trigger heartburn and acid reflux in people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Bleeding
Garlic can thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding. This is especially true for people who are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin or aspirin.
Liver damage
Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which can be toxic to the liver in high doses. However, allicin is quickly broken down in the body, so it is unlikely to cause liver damage in most people.
Other diseases
Some studies have suggested that garlic may help to prevent or reduce the risk of other diseases, such as the common cold, the flu, and type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
Overall, garlic is a safe and healthy food for most people to eat. However, people with certain medical conditions, such as heartburn, GERD, or blood clotting disorders, should talk to their doctor before consuming large amounts of garlic.
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