Is black garlic good for boosting defenses?

Do you already know about black garlic, what it's used for, how to consume it, or even what it is? In reality, black garlic is just regular garlic (allium sativum) that has gone through a fermentation process, with high humidity and heat, which changes the garlic's color and gives it a jelly-like texture.Black garlic is a condiment widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Korea, but it has become very popular in the United States since 2005, when a famous restaurant in San Francisco started selling it. Its flavor is slightly sweet, a bit tangy, and compared to fresh garlic, black garlic does not have such a strong flavor because the process reduces the allicin content.Although it is said that the properties of black garlic are more concentrated or enhanced, there is still not enough scientific research to affirm this; however, it does retain several advantages of fresh garlic. Properties of black garlicBlack garlic contains a large amount of antioxidant compounds, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, tetrahydro-β-carboline derivatives, and organic sulfur compounds, including S-allyl-cysteine and S-allyl-mercaptocysteine, compared to fresh garlic.During the heat and humidity process that takes place to obtain black garlic, not only are the nutritional components and sensory attributes altered, but the bioactivity of black garlic is also improved.Some studies have provided evidence demonstrating the therapeutic effects of black garlic, such as helping against obesity, with immunomodulatory, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective effects; however, there is still not enough evidence.The truth is that the fermentation-like process of black garlic restores nutrients and reduces the strong flavor and odor of raw garlic, making black garlic easier to consume, allowing you to take advantage of the benefits of garlic, which is loaded with antioxidants.Black garlic is excellent for health, as it helps combat free radicals and prevents oxidative damage, which leads to various diseases, and includes vitamins and minerals such as:Manganese: ideal for helping build a healthy bone structure and the creation of key enzymes for bone formation.Vitamin B6: helps protect the immune system. This vitamin also benefits the body's metabolism, hormonal control, and prevents skin conditions and kidney disorders, to name a few.Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps protect against immune system deficiencies, cardiovascular and ocular diseases, prenatal health issues, and even skin wrinkles.Selenium: this mineral is key for cognitive function and fertility.Phosphorus: one of its key tasks is maintaining healthy bones and teeth.Copper: helps develop collagen within the body, enhances iron absorption, and energy production.Vitamin B1: also known as thiamine, this vitamin plays an important role in the health of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.Calcium: calcium is widely known for forming and maintaining strong bones. But calcium is also essential for keeping the heart, muscles, and nervous system healthy.Although it may look strange to you, black garlic has many good properties, enhanced, but with a much milder flavor than raw garlic, so don’t hesitate to try it when you have the chance.