Can Desi Ghee & Garlic Prevent Cancer, Heart Disease, Hair Fall?

Indian kitchen never missed natural ingredients that can support overall health but enhance flavours too. Two such strong ingredients are desi ghee and garlic. When you use these two in moderation as part of your regular balanced diet, you can enjoy several health benefits. Latest social media reports claimed that if desi ghee and garlic taken together on an empty stomach, they have the potential to prevent cancer, bring down excess weight, boost sexual power, improve skin health, control hair fall, and regulate blood pressure, and cholesterol.

According to a report by The Healthy Indian Project, health outcomes like prevention of cancer depend upon long-term dietary patterns, lifestyle choices, genetic factors, and environmental exposure rather than a single daily habit, added the report.

Can eating desi ghee and garlic everyday on an empty stomach prevent cancer?

“No, it cannot. Garlic contains compounds that have shown cancer-fighting properties in lab studies, and some population research links regular garlic consumption to a lower risk of stomach and colon cancer. However, these benefits come from long-term dietary patterns and overall lifestyle, not from a single habit,” added The Healthy Indian Project report.  

Moreover, ghee does not contain cancer-preventive qualities in humans. As per the 2012 study found that cow ghee when compared with soybean oil, alleviated cancer-causing enzyme activity in the liver and enhanced detoxifying enzymes in the liver and mammary tissues of rats. However, it indicates that cow ghee might assist in protecting against mammary cancer, but more research is required to verify this in humans.

According to Dr Pooja Khullar, a Radiation Oncologist at Dharamshila Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, explains, “It’s important to clarify that no single food or exercise, including garlic or ghee, can prevent cancer entirely. Cancer prevention involves a comprehensive approach,” added The Healthy Indian Project report.

Meanwhile, garlic is popularly known for its medicinal properties. The important kitchen ingredient contains powerful sulfur compounds such as allicin, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. According to a healthline report, the active component in garlic is allicin, a compound that has been shown to kill off cancer cells. Several studies have found an association between garlic intake and a lower risk of certain types of cancer. Eating garlic could lead to reduced risks of stomach, prostate, and colorectal cancers.

 It also plays a important role in heart disease prevention. Garlic can help in lowering bad LDL cholesterol, enhance blood circulation, and support healthy blood pressure levels. Regular consumption of garlic can reduce plaque buildup in arteries, which lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

For hair health, it improves blood circulation to the scalp, and supports better oxygen and nutrient supply to hair follicles. The antibacterial properties of garlic helps in maintaining a healthy scalp, reduced dandruff and infections that can lead to hair fall.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.