Garlic is a healthy food. Clinical research has found that garlic contains various beneficial components for the human body, such as protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, and selenium. Regular consumption of garlic not only aids digestion but also helps regulate blood lipids, lower cholesterol, inhibit the growth of tumor cells, and boost the body's immunity. However, despite its benefits, garlic is not suitable for everyone. Experts tell us that the following four types of people should avoid eating garlic.
First, patients with eye diseases: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that long-term and excessive consumption of garlic can "damage the liver and harm the eyes." Modern medical research has found that individuals with eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, styes, or dry eye syndrome may experience symptoms like decreased vision, tinnitus, dizziness, and memory loss if they consume large amounts of garlic over a long period. Therefore, patients with eye diseases should eat less garlic.
Second, patients with hepatitis: Many people believe that eating garlic can prevent hepatitis, and some even continue to consume large amounts after being diagnosed. This approach is incorrect. First, garlic cannot kill the hepatitis virus. Second, certain components in garlic can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and inhibit the secretion of digestive fluids, which can worsen the symptoms of nausea and abdominal distension in hepatitis patients. Additionally, the volatile components in garlic can reduce the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood, which is detrimental to the recovery of hepatitis patients. Therefore, hepatitis patients should avoid eating garlic.
Third, patients with non-bacterial diarrhea: Garlic has antibacterial properties, and eating it raw can help prevent and treat bacterial diarrhea. However, when a person has non-bacterial diarrhea, it is not advisable to eat raw garlic. This is because for these patients, eating raw garlic can irritate the intestines, causing congestion and edema of the intestinal mucosa, which can worsen the condition.
Fourth, patients currently on medication: TCM considers garlic to be pungent and spicy. It can inhibit the active ingredients of certain drugs and may even undergo chemical reactions with components in some medications to produce toxins. Therefore, people who are currently taking medication should not eat garlic.