Every human being certainly knows the disadvantage of eating raw garlic -- bad breath -- but because there seems to be many health benefits linked to the little white cloves, they could offset the social stigma of their scent. Raw garlic has a very long history of medicinal use in addition to its widespread culinary use. However, cooking and processing garlic typically reduces its potency, so stick with fresh cloves to get the most benefit out of them.
Cardiovascular Benefits
Due mainly to its ability to eliminate free radicals and reduce “bad” LDL cholesterol, raw garlic is beneficial for blood vessels and the heart. Several scientific studies have determined a link between regular garlic consumption and reduced risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and other cardiovascular diseases. Garlic consumption may also raise “good” HDL cholesterol levels in your blood.
Suggestions
The American Dietetic Association suggests eating up to one raw garlic clove per day in order to significantly reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, cooking garlic cloves reduces their antimicrobial and immune stimulating affects. Odorless garlic pills may seem like the perfect solution to avoid bad breath, but it’s not clear if they are as effective as eating the cloves raw. If your breath is a major concern, then consider eating parsley after ingesting the raw garlic. Garlic "thins" the blood, which means it reduces blood clotting, so be cautious and seek the advice of your doctor if you are on blood thinning medications or have a blood clotting disorder
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