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What are the benefits and drawbacks of eating garlic in the morning?

Dec 09, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Yuhong
Introduction
Benefits of eating garlic in the morning include enhancing immune function, assisting in regulating blood lipids, inhibiting intestinal pathogens, promoting digestion and absorption, and providing antioxidant effects that protect blood vessels. Potential drawbacks include irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, causing bad breath, interfering with medication efficacy, exacerbating eye discomfort, and triggering allergic reactions. Garlic should be consumed according to individual constitution. If severe stomach pain occurs after consumption

Benefits of eating garlic in the morning include enhanced immune function, support for lipid regulation, inhibition of intestinal pathogens, improved digestion and nutrient absorption, and antioxidant effects that protect blood vessels. However, potential drawbacks include irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa, bad breath, interference with medication efficacy, worsening of eye discomfort, and triggering allergic reactions. Garlic should be consumed according to individual constitution. If severe stomach pain, difficulty breathing, or serious rashes occur after consumption, prompt medical attention is recommended.

1. Benefits of Eating Garlic in the Morning

1. Enhanced Immune Function: Allicin in garlic has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Consuming garlic in the morning can stimulate immune cell activity, boost the body's resistance, and help defend against respiratory and intestinal pathogens.

2. Support for Lipid Regulation: Allicin promotes lipid metabolism and reduces the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the bloodstream. Long-term, moderate consumption may assist in maintaining cardiovascular health.

3. Inhibition of Intestinal Pathogens: Allicin suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria in the gut, helping maintain a balanced intestinal microbiome and reducing digestive issues such as diarrhea and bloating—especially beneficial for individuals with weak intestinal function.

4. Improved Digestion and Absorption: Garlic stimulates the secretion of gastric juices and digestive enzymes, aiding in the breakdown of proteins and fats in breakfast foods, enhancing digestive efficiency, and relieving symptoms like poor appetite or indigestion.

5. Antioxidant Protection for Blood Vessels: Polyphenols in garlic exert antioxidant effects, reducing free radical damage to vascular endothelium, supporting improved blood vessel elasticity, and lowering the risk of atherosclerosis.

2. Drawbacks of Eating Garlic in the Morning

1. Irritation of Gastrointestinal Mucosa: On an empty stomach, allicin in garlic can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to stomach pain, acid reflux, or a burning sensation. Individuals with gastritis or gastric ulcers are at higher risk.

2. Bad Breath: Sulfur compounds in garlic break down in the mouth and digestive tract, producing a strong, persistent odor that is difficult to eliminate quickly, potentially affecting social interactions and personal image.

3. Interference with Medication Efficacy: Allicin may interfere with the effects of medications such as anticoagulants and antihypertensives, reducing their effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse reactions. Individuals on medication should exercise particular caution.

4. Worsening of Eye Discomfort: Due to its irritant nature, allicin may cause redness and itching of the conjunctiva if hands contact the eyes after handling garlic. This can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with dry eye syndrome or conjunctivitis.

5. Triggering Allergic Reactions: Some individuals are allergic to components in garlic. After consuming garlic in the morning, they may experience symptoms such as skin itching, rashes, or sneezing; in severe cases, laryngeal edema may occur.

To minimize risks, it is advisable to consume garlic with staple foods rather than on an empty stomach. Limit intake to 1–2 cloves per day. Chewing tea leaves or drinking milk after eating garlic may help reduce odor. Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders, eye inflammation, or those taking medications should avoid garlic, and people with known allergies should completely refrain from consuming it.

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