Fermented black garlic inhibits progression of prostate cancer.
Git yer garlic on, folks! Here's the lowdown on black garlic – the darker, funkier cousin of the common allium.
Not only does it have twice the antioxidant level of regular white garlic, but it also boasts a long history in Asian fermentation practices. The fermentation process, which involves heating and humidifying garlic for around three to four weeks, turns the cloves into melanoidin-rich, dark brown nuggets.
Though the benefits of black garlic are similar to those of white garlic, it's stuffed with even more probiotics, making it excellent for gut health. Additionally, black garlic has caught the attention of researchers due to its possible applications in combating serious diseases, like prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in U.S. men and the third leading cause of death in Spanish men. In an effort to curb the impact of this disease, scientists at a Spanish research center explored the effects of fermented black garlic extract on human prostate cancer cells.
They discovered that the extract had a positive impact on the cells' aggressiveness, making them less likely to multiply and spread. The best part? This compound didn't affect non-cancerous prostate cells, suggesting it could be administered as a dietary supplement without negatively impacting overall prostate health.
Researchers were also able to identify that the extract altered key signaling pathways in the cancer, specifically related to inflammation. They concluded that the compound could potentially slow the progression of prostate cancer due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
So, if prostate cancer runs in your family, it might be worth adding black garlic to your diet. You can use it in recipes, dips, and spreads just like regular garlic. And here's a secret: black garlic has a milder odor than its white counterpart, making it an even more appealing option.
These days, black garlic can be found in grocery stores, either whole, peeled, or as a paste. Make sure to check the expiration date if you buy the paste or peeled cloves and use them within three months of opening. Store whole black garlic in the refrigerator and use within six months.
For those looking for convenience, black garlic supplements are available in powdered or liquid extract form at health food stores or online.
[1] A darker, healthier garlic: Black garlic and its potential health benefits[2] Garlic and its Health Benefits: An Overview[3] Fermented Black Garlic Extract: A Novel Dietary Ingredient for Cancer Prevention[4] Garlic and its components as anticancer agents
- Black garlic, with its twice the antioxidant level and rich in probiotics, is a promising health-and-wellness supplement, especially for heart health and gut health.
- Scientific studies suggest that black garlic could potentially combat serious diseases like prostate cancer due to its anti-inflammatory properties and impact on cell aggressiveness.
- In a Spanish research study, fermented black garlic extract showed promising results in slowing the progression of prostate cancer, affecting only the cancer cells without negatively impacting overall prostate health.
- As interest grows in black garlic's health benefits, it's now accessible in various forms, including whole, peeled, and paste, as well as in supplements like powdered or liquid extracts.
- Combining a nutritious lifestyle, food-and-drink choices, and regular black garlic consumption might contribute to greater health and wellness, particularly for those with a family history of prostate cancer.
