What Happens When You Eat Garlic Every Day? I Tried It, and It Got Wild!

In my journey as a writer for a health and fitness site, I’ve taken on some unusual challenges, but eating a raw clove of garlic daily ranks as one of the oddest—and surprisingly, most beneficial. Influencers often tout the health benefits of raw garlic, but I had avoided it for years due to a restrictive diet. However, after starting to make pesto at home, I realized I was unknowingly consuming about 25 cloves of raw garlic per month.

Despite this unexpected garlic intake, the results surprised me, leading me to investigate further. Here’s what happened during that month of eating raw garlic and what a dietitian says about its effects.

1. My Skin Improved

One of the most noticeable changes was in my skin. I’ve struggled with hormonal acne for years, so seeing clearer skin was a welcomed surprise. Garlic is known to have antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, which may explain why my complexion improved. However, scientific backing for this is limited. A 2011 review in Dermatol Reports indicates there’s not enough evidence to definitively link garlic consumption to clearer skin.

That said, my overall lifestyle may have also contributed. My sleep quality seemed better, I was drinking more water, and the weather could have played a role. So, while garlic likely helped, it wasn’t the sole reason for my skin improvement.

To get a professional’s take, I asked Roxana Ehsani, a registered dietitian, for her insights. She explained, *“Garlic can reduce inflammation, which may play a role in improving skin health by reducing the risk of developing acne or other skin conditions.”* While evidence is sparse, some anecdotal claims, especially from TikTok, support garlic’s skin benefits.

Garlic is also packed with vitamins like C and E, essential for good health. While it’s tempting to think garlic could be a miracle ingredient for the skin, it’s important to remember that there are other healthy foods with similar benefits.

2. My Digestive System Adapted

For years, I followed a low-FODMAP diet to manage IBS symptoms, and garlic was a food I avoided completely. Being a high-FODMAP food, even small amounts of garlic used to upset my stomach. So, eating it raw almost daily was a significant shift.

During the first week, I did experience some digestive issues, but by the end of the month, my body seemed to adjust. This suggests that my digestive system might be more adaptable than I had previously thought.

According to Ehsani, *“Eating raw garlic may cause an upset stomach, with symptoms such as bloating, heartburn, and gas in some people. It’s also considered a high-FODMAP food, which can cause discomfort for those with IBS.”* However, garlic contains prebiotic fibers, which can actually improve gut health for those without IBS by feeding good bacteria in the digestive tract.

3. My Breath Became Unbearable

One undeniable downside was the lingering bad breath that came with my garlic consumption. Despite rigorous teeth brushing, the odor persisted, even into the next morning. It became so overwhelming that I had to cut back on the number of cloves I was eating.

Bad breath from garlic is well-known, largely due to sulfur compounds in the garlic that release a potent smell when broken down. *“It contains sulfur compounds, that when broken down cause a smell or bad breath,”* says Ehsani. This side effect was, by far, the most unpleasant result of my garlic experiment.

Other Benefits of Raw Garlic

Beyond clearer skin and digestive adjustments, are there any additional perks to eating raw garlic? According to Ehsani, *“It may support your immune system by reducing inflammation and increasing white blood cell count. It’s also believed to have anti-viral properties, which can help when you’re feeling under the weather.”* Garlic is also thought to lower blood pressure and stabilize blood sugar levels, making it a beneficial addition to many diets.

In conclusion, while consuming raw garlic daily may not be for everyone (especially those concerned about bad breath), it did bring some positive changes to my skin and digestion. The potential immune-boosting and heart-health benefits also make it worth considering, but perhaps in more moderate amounts.