Garlic and lemon on an empty stomach: what are the benefits of its consumption?

Garlic and lemon have antimicrobial properties and if this mixture is consumed on an empty stomach it is better, since it will be the first thing the body receives and therefore the absorption of the properties of the ingredients will be greater, as explained by the portal Terra.

Garlic and lemon are a bomb of properties that can improve health. - Photo: Getty Images

In addition, the mixture of garlic and lemon is beneficial to improve the immune system, since this is a fruit with a high content of vitamin C, which also improves the absorption of iron present in plant foods and contributes to the proper functioning of the immune system.

Also, lemons contain a high percentage of antioxidants, which help protect the body's cells from cell damage and, according to Medical News Today, "antioxidants reduce the risk of many medical conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer; they do this by eliminating free radicals, which are harmful and disease-causing compounds in the body created by oxidative stress''.

Additionally, this fruit contains few nutrients, proteins, fats, carbohydrates or sugar and when combined with water contains only small amounts of other vitamins and minerals, such as potassium, folic acid and some B vitamins.

Similarly, lemon has limonene, an oil present in the skin of the fruit that thanks to the development of studies, reports antimicrobial and anticarcinogenic properties, which could be obtained through the synthesis of this component in the skin of the lemon.

Another benefit of lemon is that it can relieve sore throat pain, prevent kidney stones and stimulate metabolism, according to a research by Case Western Reserve University, in the United States.

The study also points out that this fruit can help lose weight, optimize mood and memory, relieve constipation and improve athletic performance.

Along the same lines, garlic has other properties, as it reduces the risk of suffering blood pressure problems, according to a study published by the scientific journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry.

In addition, the medical journal Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity published another study in which it was determined that diabetic patients who consumed garlic on an empty stomach to complement their respective treatment showed a considerable reduction in their glucose levels.

The medical journal Journal of Medicinal Food published an investigation in which it is evidenced that garlic can fight inflammation processes, since it incorporates elements such as diallyl disulfide, which serve to treat arthritis in a natural way.

However, according to Medline Plus, the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it is important to reduce garlic intake in people with stomach or digestive problems, since it could cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract.

Medline Plus also warns that garlic, especially fresh, could increase bleeding. Therefore, it is recommended to stop taking it at least two weeks before a surgical procedure. Also, patients undergoing anticoagulant therapy should be vigilant about its consumption, as it may increase the risk of bleeding.

However, as with any food to be included in the daily diet, it is important to consult the treating physician or a nutritionist about the best way to consume it, and whether existing medical conditions are not an impediment to benefit from all the properties of the food already mentioned.