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Why is it so popular?
Black garlic has gained popularity in Japan after a research showing its health benefits was published in 2006. The researcher, Jiniti Sasaki, is a professor at Hirosaki University. The research showed that black garlic reduced cancer cells in mouse. When the same research was conducted using white garlic, it didn’t have the same result.
Cancer Protection and Cholesterol Benefits
The monthlong fermentation process in creating black garlic contributes to creating a kind of super garlic. The compound S-allylcysteine, a natural component of fresh garlic and a derivative of the amino acid cysteine, was found in much greater concentrations in black garlic and is thought to help lower cholesterol and decrease the risk of cancer, reports HealthMad.com.
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Infection Protection
White garlic contains antimicrobial, antibiotic and antifungal agents in its active ingredient, allicin. In black garlic, S-allylcysteine assists with the absorption of allicin, helping it metabolize more easily, which could offer boosted protection against infections.
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Disease Protection
Garlic is also high in antioxidants. Black garlic has been found to have twice the antioxidant properties of conventional garlic. Antioxidants protect the cells from disease and are thought to slow down the aging process, according to OrganicAuthority.com. Because black garlic is so potent, the heightened levels of antioxidants offering protection from free radical damage make it an ideal food for thwarting chronic disease. Free radicals damage cells leading to heart disease, Alzheimer's, circulatory problems, rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic diseases.