Wednesday, July 29th 2026
You probably know that food affects the health of all body organs, and the liver is no exception. Eating green leafy vegetables, lean and plant-based proteins, as well as limiting saturated fat, are well-known ways to improve health and longevity.
However, we often pay less attention to the spices we add to meals, such as garlic, and the impact they can have on liver function and overall health. Is garlic really good for the liver?
Registered dietitian Sharniquia White, MS, culinary nutritionist and founder of YouNiqly Nourishing LLC, points out that there is much more to garlic than its characteristic aroma, even though, as she puts it, “you can smell it from afar.” easy,” says White, writes Parade.
But is garlic good for the liver? This is an important question, especially given the popularity of various diets and “detoxes”.
According to Katherine M. Patton, RD, registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic:
“If you are healthy and do not suffer from liver disease, your liver is perfectly capable of filtering drugs, toxins and bacteria, eliminating them through urine or stool. Many ‘detox’ programs include high doses of medicinal plants, vitamins or minerals, which can damage the liver because they force it to work harder to process them.”
Experts emphasize that natural food should always be the first choice when it comes to health. In this sense, garlic can be a useful addition to the diet.
According to nutritionists, garlic can bring some benefits to the liver, mainly thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is not a cure for liver diseases and cannot alone protect the organism from their development.
Dr. Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD, nutrition and fitness advisor at Garage Gym Reviews, explains:
“Garlic may be beneficial for the liver in certain situations, but mostly as part of a healthy diet and not as a treatment on its own. For healthy people, adding garlic to meals is a good habit, but it is not expected to produce noticeable changes in liver function just from consuming it.”
He adds that the strongest scientific evidence relates to people suffering from metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Studies, including one published in 2022 in the Journal of Functional Foods, suggest that garlic powder supplements may improve liver enzymes and some metabolic markers.
Dr. Mohr points out that consuming garlic does not bring immediate results. On the other hand, Patton notes that studies show that regular consumption of garlic can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress within about 12 weeks.
According to her, garlic contains bioactive compounds, such as:
Inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines (proteins that promote inflammation);
Help prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver.
If garlic is consumed regularly for months or years, the benefits may be even greater.
Patton adds that garlic supplements taken daily may help reduce liver fat, but these results were seen in people who already have hepatic steatosis (fatty liver).
A study in Chinese men also showed that raw (raw) garlic may reduce the risk of worsening liver disease in people with MASLD.
“Cutting, crushing, or chewing raw garlic releases more allicin than cooking it. Therefore, consuming raw garlic may provide higher amounts of this active substance.”
However, she points out that it is not yet known exactly how much raw garlic should be consumed to reduce the risk of developing liver disease.
In general, consuming garlic is considered safe. However, Sharniquia White advises that people taking certain medications consult a doctor before consuming it regularly.
She warns that garlic may interact with medications such as:
Other blood clotting drugs (anticoagulants).
Also, keep in mind that the liver is part of the digestive system and not everyone tolerates garlic well.
“Garlic alive can worsen heartburn or cause gastrointestinal upset.”
On the other hand, Dr. Mohr explains that most healthy people have no problems from normal consumption of garlic, especially with regard to the liver.
However, he advises that before starting any new supplement or making long-term, significant changes in diet, it is imperative to consult a doctor or a licensed dietitian.
He adds that garlic supplements are much more concentrated than garlic as food and may pose a risk to people suffering from the disease. of the liver or taking medication for other health problems.
“For most healthy people, consuming garlic in normal amounts does not pose any significant long-term risk. The problem is the excess, not the garlic itself.”
Source: prizrenpost
