Honey and garlic have been used medicinally for thousands of years by cultures all over the world to treat skin infections, treat sore throats, and treat colds.
Learn about the five advantages of honey and garlic for immune system health and how to include these two superfoods in your daily diet.
5 honey and garlic benefits for your immune system
Fresh garlic is considered to be beneficial to health mostly because of allicin, a sulfur molecule that has been shown to have several health benefits, including strong antibacterial properties.
Similar advantages are provided by honey, which also contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and pollen. This makes honey a useful natural treatment for seasonal allergies.
These are five amazing ways that garlic and honey can strengthen your immune system.
1. May lower the risk of cancer
Garlic's main therapeutic ingredient, allicin, may have anti-cancer properties.
Allicin has been shown in studies to inhibit the migration, metastasis, and proliferation of several cancer cells. These findings were published in Frontiers of Pharmacology.
Because of its antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, which have been shown to strengthen the immune system's anticancer response, honey may also have anticancer properties.
2. Potent antibacterial properties
Honey and garlic both have antibacterial qualities that aid in getting rid of potentially dangerous bacteria, even ones that are resistant to traditional antibiotics.
Garlic juice and honey have antibacterial properties against eight different species of bacteria, including Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus, which cause staph infections and strep throat, according to a study published in the Life Science Journal.
It's interesting to note that combining honey and garlic enhanced their antibacterial qualities.
3. Protect against viral infections
Garlic's organosulfur components may prevent viruses from penetrating cells, bolstering the body's defenses against viral infections.
Honey additionally possesses antiviral qualities. According to a study that was published in the Archives of Medical Research, manuka honey has an unusually strong antiviral impact and honey's bioactive components can block the influenza virus.
4. Promote detoxification processes
The body's capacity to cleanse and get rid of pollutants from the environment may be improved by garlic .
According to a study that was published in Phytotherapy Research, certain of the components in garlic can lessen the harmful effects that different chemicals have on the reproductive system and other important organs.
" Garlic helps detox these chemicals from your body by binding with organophosphates, a class of pesticides," says Dr. Berg. "Organophosphates increase the risk of infection and disease and have a devastating effect on your immune system."
5. Help ease seasonal allergy symptoms
Pollen is present in raw honey, and eating local honey kinds can help reduce seasonal allergies by boosting your immune system's resistance to local pollen.
"Regularly exposing the body to modest concentrations of allergens found in honey can help acclimate the body to their presence and reduce the likelihood of an overpowering immune reaction." based on research that was released in the Saudi Arabian Medical Journal.
To find out more about the health advantages of garlic , watch the video below.
Raw honey vs. pasteurized honey
Heat treatment causes pasteurized honey's granulation to slow down, giving the substance a smoother, more liquid texture. Furthermore, the honey's yeast is killed during pasteurization, preventing fermentation.
Heat, however, also destroys other components that are linked to honey's many health advantages, such as vitamins, antioxidants, and enzymes.
Raw honey, on the other hand, is taken straight from the beehive and keeps the pollen, antioxidants, and other compounds that are good for your health, like:
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Vitamins B3
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Vitamin B5
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Vitamin B12
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Vitamin C
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Calcium
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Copper
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Zinc
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Manganese
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Phosphorus
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Potassium
Honey can be applied topically to help heal small cuts, scratches, and abrasions because it also contains hydrogen peroxide.
Fresh vs. fermented garlic
Allicin, found in raw garlic , is responsible for the strong antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of garlic .
Furthermore, raw garlic is an excellent source of several different nutrients, including:
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Calcium
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Iron
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Magnesium
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Phosphorus
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Potassium
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Zinc
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Copper
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Manganese
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Selenium
While raw garlic has numerous health advantages, fermenting it can improve the nutrients' bioavailability and antioxidant content, potentially aiding in the treatment and prevention of a number of chronic illnesses.
Usually, garlic is fermented in raw honey or aged by heating it just a little bit. This results in a product called black garlic .
Antioxidant contents in black garlic are substantially higher than in typical white garlic, according to a study published in Nutrition Research and Practice.
It is noteworthy that the majority of garlic seen in shops has been bleached using chlorine, so reducing its nutritious content.
Choose organic, locally grown garlic to optimize its health advantages and steer clear of toxins associated with hormone imbalance, cancer, heart difficulties, and respiratory disorders.
Ways to use honey and garlic
Honey and garlic are great natural medicines to strengthen immunity and reduce symptoms of the cold and flu.
Here are four ways to use garlic and honey in your daily routine.
1. Garlic honey drink
The disease-fighting qualities of garlic , honey, and echinacea extract are combined in this garlic honey combo to promote natural immunity.
To make this combo, you will require:
- 3 garlic cloves
- 90 drops echinacea extract
- 1 whole organic lemon (peel included)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon raw local or manuka honey
- 16 ounces water
Process ingredients in food processor until smooth. Use as soon as symptoms appear, or inject 1.5 ounces of garlic honey drink once a day during flu and cold season.
2. Honey-fermented garlic
Garlic fermented with honey has been used for centuries due to its nutritional and therapeutic qualities.
Put peeled garlic cloves in a glass jar with an airtight lid to ferment them with honey. Cover the garlic cloves with a layer of raw, organic honey. For three days, store the sealed jar at room temperature.
Check for fermentation by opening the jar after a few days. The garlic is beginning to ferment if gas is released and little bubbles start to form.
To continue the fermentation process, stir in the garlic and honey and shut the jar for a few weeks.
Take one clove of honey-fermented garlic every day to benefit from it. This home remedy may help avoid viral and bacterial illnesses and is particularly useful in the winter.
Fermented garlic honey keeps well at room temperature for up to a year, negating the need for refrigeration.
3. Homemade salad dressing
One of the simplest ways to include garlic and honey in your diet is to make your own salad dressing.
To make a tasty and healthful dressing, mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and organic honey with fresh garlic cloves.
Additionally, you can make a vinaigrette using smashed garlic , olive oil, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Because apple cider vinegar has strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial qualities, it can augment the health advantages of garlic and honey.
4. Add to meals
Due to its adaptability, garlic can be used to enhance flavor and strengthen the immune system in a number of recipes.
Garlic's therapeutic qualities are unaffected by cooking. Garlic's health-promoting ingredients can withstand heat for up to 20 minutes at 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius).
Crushed garlic cloves can be used to soups, mashed potatoes with cauliflower, salsa, and roasted vegetables. garlic powder can also be used to season poultry, fish, or steak.
How much garlic and honey should you have?
Garlic and honey can be safely consumed on a daily basis. On the other hand, stay away from consuming excessive amounts of raw honey due to its high sugar content, which can elevate blood sugar levels and cause metabolic abnormalities and weight gain.
Garlic can be added in large quantities to marinades and sauces, as well as used as a flavoring in a variety of recipes. But keep in mind that consuming too much garlic can cause upset stomach and foul breath.
Eating one to two cloves of garlic each day can boost immunity while lowering the possibility of gastrointestinal adverse effects.
Possible downsides of honey and garlic
Garlic and honey have many health benefits, however some people have health concerns that could cause negative reactions.
Those who suffer from any of the following medical conditions should use honey and garlic with caution.
1. Blood sugar imbalances
Because honey contains a lot of sugar, it can worsen conditions including diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome by raising blood sugar levels.
To reduce the possibility of harmful health effects, it is advised that people with poor blood sugar control speak with a healthcare professional before incorporating honey into their regimen.
2. Blood thinning disorders
Garlic supplements or large-scale garlic consumption may thin blood, which raises the possibility of severe bleeding and bruises.
Furthermore, it is not advised to take garlic in conjunction with any of the following medications:
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Blood thinners
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Antidiabetic drugs
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Antihypertensive drugs
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Protease inhibitors
If you use prescription medicine or have underlying health conditions, talk to your doctor about using garlic .
3. Allergic reactions
While honey can alleviate seasonal allergies, it's vital to understand that there's a higher chance of allergic responses.
When drinking honey, those who are sensitive to pollen may be more likely to have allergy symptoms such as hives, asthma, difficulty breathing, and rashes.
Furthermore, honey should not be given to young children since it may contain bacterial spores that could cause botulism. This is a dangerous and sometimes fatal illness that can cause paralysis, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, and in extreme cases, even death.
Key takeaways
Garlic and honey have a number of remarkable immune-boosting properties, including antiviral and antibacterial properties that can help reduce the risk of illness. These superfoods might also strengthen the body's anticancer defenses and improve detoxification procedures.
The healthiest ingredients are fermented garlic and raw honey, which can be added to homemade garlic and honey shots or mixed into salad dressings.
Frequently asked questions
Which are the best benefits of garlic and honey for immunity?
Garlic and honey both include antiviral and antibacterial substances that have been shown to strengthen the immune system's defense against bacteria and viruses. This may lessen the chance of contracting microbiological illnesses like the flu and common cold.
What happens if you consume honey and garlic right before bed?
Honey and garlic consumption before bed may encourage peaceful slumber. Zinc and magnesium are two elements that can enhance the quality of sleep that can be found in both honey and garlic cloves.
L-tryptophan, an amino acid that has been demonstrated to shorten the time it takes to fall asleep and promote drowsiness, is also present in honey.
Is it better to consume garlic at night or in the morning?
Garlic is a food that is good any time of day. However, since garlic can raise stomach acidity, which promotes proper digestion and nutrient absorption, eating garlic may be best done in the morning.
Which kind of honey is most beneficial to your immune system?
Manuka honey has special chemicals, including methylglyoxal, that are absent from other forms of honey, making it the greatest option for boosting immune system activities.
Because methylglyoxal has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, manuka honey is one of the greatest options for bolstering robust immune systems.
