The health-boosting qualities of garlic are well-known nowadays. But scientists claim to have found a new benefit - they say it can prevent weight gain and might even cause weight loss.
Laboratory tests showed that rats given a high sugar diet put on less weight if they were also given a garlic compound (aliicin). That is because garlic lowers blood sugar levels.
Researchers have also found strong links between the bacteria in the gut and the weight, an altered gut microbiota has been linked to obesity.
The garlic has a demonstrated powerful antimicrobial effect on bad bacteria - E. Coli, Salmonella, H. Pylori, Staphylococcus, and anti-fungal - inhibiting and killing Candida albicans.
However, garlic is not harsh on good bacteria (the probiotics). Studies have shown that Lactobacillus Acidophilus is not affected at all by the garlic, while Lactobacillus Casei a probiotic found in the majority of commercial yogurt and sour cream products, showed a degree of resistance to garlic.
Well, you probably wonder why it took serious research to demonstrate this, since brine fermented pickles, are fermented with garlic, and lactic bacteria responsible for the fermentation doesn't seem to bother. The garlic is there not only for the taste but also to keep the bad guys out, grandma would know to tell you.
So, since it does lower blood sugar and regulates bacteria in the gut, garlic is not only improving your overall health, but it might even help you lose weight.
References:
Garlic intake lowers fasting blood glucose: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26693740
Gut Microbiota: Modulation of Host Physiology in Obesity: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27511459
What are Probiotics and Why are They so Good For You?: https://authoritynutrition.com/probiotics-101
Effect of garlic powder on the growth of commensal bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22480662
Booyens and Thantsha, 2013, Antibacterial effect of hydrosoluble extracts of garlic (Allium sativum) against Bifidobacterium spp. andLactobacillus acidophilus, African Journal of Microbiology Research, 7(8), pp. 669-677
Garlic Effect on Probiotics: http://bioimmersion.com/blog/garlics-effect-on-probiotics/
Ankri S, Mirelman D (1999). Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic. Microbes Infect. 2:125-129.