Fermented foods are hailed as they may contain prebiotics or probiotics which have health benefits. Mostly, the process of fermentation improves the nutritional value of the food. Fermentation improves the digestibility of the food. As per historical records, our ancestors used fermented food as early as 10 million years ago. Honey fermented garlic has the goodness of two powerful superfoods – honey and garlic. Honey fermented garlic benefits have been valued and used traditionally as a remedy for their antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. This dynamic combination of honey and fermented garlic has been used for centuries for its health-related benefits. This article will explore some of the benefits of honey fermented garlic.
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Also Read – Kashmiri Garlic Benefits: Storehouse of Health
What is Honey Fermented Garlic?
Honey fermented garlic is prepared by submerging raw garlic cloves in raw honey, and leaving it in a jar for fermentation for several weeks.
The process creates a potent medicinal concoction with the goodness of enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants.
It is believed that it is considered good if fermentation starts within the first 36 hrs.
The fermentation process activates the enzymes in the honey, making the mixture full of health benefits.
Remember to use raw honey for fermentation instead of pasteurized honey.
Raw honey is more beneficial as it comes straight from the hive.
Pasteurized honey is exposed to high temperatures and loses its natural properties and it will also not cause the mixture to ferment.
Raw honey contains all the necessary bacteria (lactic acid bacteria) and yeast for fermentation.
Fermenting garlic cloves with honey makes them palatable, turning raw garlic’s pungency into mild and sweet.
Fermentation and Health Benefits
Including fermented foods in your diet is highly recommended because they offer many health benefits.
Some general health benefits of fermented foods include improved digestion, better gut health, reduced risk of heart problems, improved brain functions, reduced risk of certain types of cancer, etc.
Certain research studies have shown that fermenting garlic using specific types of bacteria made its health benefits even stronger.
Researchers found that when garlic was fermented with lactic acid bacteria, its medicinal properties like fighting against bacteria and lowering cholesterol improved significantly.
It is to be noted that raw honey contains lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that can ferment carbohydrates and produce lactic acid.
LAB is responsible for the antimicrobial properties and probiotic qualities of raw honey.
Also Read: WellHealth Ayurvedic Health Tips
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Top 10 Honey Fermented Garlic Benefits
The antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of raw honey combined with the powers of fermented garlic make the honey fermented garlic benefits amazing as a natural remedy.
Let us look at some of the honey fermented garlic benefits.
1.) Powerful Antioxidant
Honey fermented garlic becomes more beneficial because fermentation enhances the power of key antioxidants such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, making them easily available to the body.
It increases their ability to fight against oxidative stress, neutralizing free radicals, and reducing inflammation.
Oxidative stress and free radicals are responsible for aging and many chronic diseases.
Moreover, the research has shown that fermented garlic samples have stronger antioxidant properties than unfermented garlic.
2.) Immunity Booster
Honey fermented garlic benefits as an immunostimulant, and increases the body’s immune responses.
This empowers the body to fight against infections more effectively.
The researchers have found fermented garlic honey equally effective to commercial immunostimulants, making it a promising natural alternative for boosting immunity.
Honey fermented garlic also boosts the activity of macrophages, which are immune cells that help the body fight infections by consuming harmful bacteria and viruses.
3.) Reduces Inflammation
Fermented garlic honey has anti-inflammatory properties.
It helps decrease swelling and inflammation, as seen by the reduction in edema volume in rats.
4.) Improves Heart Health
The researchers observed that fermenting garlic with lactic acid bacteria significantly improved its medicinal properties for lowering cholesterol.
Honey fermented garlic benefits heart health by lowering cholesterol levels.
This reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems.
5.) Combats Infections
Interestingly, both honey and garlic have antimicrobial properties making them effective against fighting infections.
Researchers found that fermenting garlic with lactic acid bacteria enhanced its capacity to fight against bacteria.
6.) Supports Digestive Health
Fermentation produces the “good bacteria” which helps improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall gut health.
The natural enzymes of honey and garlic break down food more easily and prevent bloating and indigestion.
Honey fermented garlic benefits the digestive tract by reducing inflammatory conditions like gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
7.) Promotes Skin Health
Fermentation enhances garlic’s antibacterial and antifungal properties, effectively reducing acne and skin infections.
The fermented garlic honey is packed with antioxidants, which help protect the skin from free radicals, preventing aging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties speed up the recovery of cuts, wounds, and skin irritation.
8.) Enhances Detoxification
Fermenting raw garlic and honey significantly enhances the antioxidant properties of the mixture, making it even more powerful.
This boosts the natural detoxification process of the liver, making the filtering and removing toxins more efficient.
Honey fermented garlic benefits the overall health of the liver.
Also, smoothening of the entire digestive system further promotes the detoxification process.
9.) Balances Blood Sugar Levels
Studies suggest that garlic in its fermented form can lower fasting blood sugar levels.
Its sulfur compounds help enhance insulin production, leading to better glucose control.
By preventing the spikes in blood, honey fermented garlic benefits diabetes patients or those at risk of developing it.
Honey is a natural form of sugar with a low glycemic index (GI).
This makes it release sugar slowly into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood glucose levels, making it beneficial for diabetic patients.
10.) Functional food for Overall Health
The enhanced properties of honey fermented garlic make it suitable as a functional food.
Apart from providing nutrition, it also has many health benefits to offer.
It is a great natural food for the body’s overall wellness.
Side-Effects and Precautions
The list below outlines some potential side effects and precautions of fermented garlic and honey:
1.) Risk of Botulism
Botulism is a serious illness that affects the nervous system. Both raw honey and garlic can cause this disease.
Do not give honey or fermented garlic honey to babies under one year of age.
Some people suggest testing the pH of honey or adding a bit of vinegar to lower the pH as a way to prevent C. botulinum growth.
As per them, if the pH is below 4.6, the fermentation is safe from botulism.
As per WHO, “C. botulinum will not grow in acidic conditions (pH less than 4.6), and therefore the toxin will not be formed in acidic foods (however, a low pH will not degrade any pre-formed toxin).”
Another way to check the safety of fermented honey garlic is if the fermentation process starts within the first 36 hours.
2.) Allergic Reactions
If you are allergic to garlic or honey, avoid consuming fermented garlic honey.
If you experience any allergic reactions after consuming fermented garlic honey, seek medical advice immediately.
Consult a nutritionist or doctor before adding any new food to your diet.
3.) Intervention with Medications
Garlic is considered a blood thinner. It may increase the risk of bleeding or interfere with other blood thinners.
Fermented garlic honey may also interfere with other medicines.
If you are under medication, always consult your doctor before including honey fermented garlic in your diet.
4.) Other Side Effects
In some people, garlic may cause stomach upset, heartburn, and body and breath odor.
Similarly, honey can have side effects in the form of contamination with pesticides, heavy metals, or bacteria.
High sugar in honey can be problematic for diabetic patients if not taken in moderation.
Takeaway Message
Honey and garlic are natural foods that people have used for ages for their medicinal and nutritional benefits.
Researchers have proven that fermenting these two super foods together significantly enhances their nutraceutical properties compared to using them individually.
Honey fermented garlic benefits the majority of health problems ranging from infection to digestive issues.
To ensure your fermented honey garlic is in good condition, check that it remains clear and free of crystallization.
Additionally, regularly check for any unpleasant odors.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer’s opinions and should not be considered a substitute for an expert’s advice.
Readings & References
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/full/10.1086/715238#:~:text=for%20this%20speculation.-,Conclusions,as%2010%20million%20years%20ago.
- https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/fermented-garlic-honey/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/fermentation/comments/q3z46v/concerned_about_fermenting_garlic_in_honey/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6475743/
- https://www.axpublisherdigital.com/fermented-garlic
- file:///C:/Users/akkum/Downloads/188+-+4428+-+Devyani+Diah+Wulansari+-+Galley.pdf
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/botulism#:~:text=botulinum%20will%20not%20grow%20in,any%20pre%2Dformed%20toxin).
नींबू के रस या सिरके में लहसुन के किण्वन (fermentation) की जानकारी थी। शहद की जानकारी इस लेख से हुई। महत्वपूर्ण। बहुत बधाई और शुभकामनाएं।
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