What is the difference between normal garlic and black garlic extract?

Regular garlic and black garlic have been celebrated as superfoods for their culinary versatility and medicinal properties. In recent years, they have been used as common ingredients and raw materials of healthcare products and have attracted much attention. While both come from the same root, their preparation and nutrient profiles make them unique. Many people do not know the difference between garlic extract and black garlic extract and do not know which is better for them. In this article, we will break it down!

What’s garlic extract?

Garlic is a common condiment with a strong spicy taste and a unique smell. Garlic extract is an active ingredient extracted from the fresh garlic. Typically, garlic extract is made before being processed into liquid or powder form. This process preserves the active compounds such as allicin, sulfides, vitamins and minerals and is believed to have a variety of health benefits, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. The content in garlic extract are:

• Allicin
• Sulfur compounds
• Vitamins (B6, C)
• Minerals (selenium, manganese)

What is black garlic extract?

Black garlic extract is derived from black garlic, which is made from fresh garlic after fermentation for several weeks. The aging process usually involves placing garlic in a hot, humid environment for several weeks to undergo the Maillard reaction (a non-enzymatic Browning reaction).  This turns the garlic black in color and soft in texture, its taste changes from spicy to sweet, and boosts their antioxidant properties while giving them a sweeter, less pungent flavor. Black garlic extract contains:

• Allyl-Cysteine (SAC)
• Antioxidants (much higher than fresh garlic)

Differences Between Garlic Extract and Black Garlic Extract

The main difference between garlic extract and black garlic extract is the difference in the manufacturing process. The production process of garlic extract is relatively simple, mainly through physical or chemical methods to extract the active ingredients from fresh garlic. Common extraction methods include water extraction, ethanol extraction or supercritical fluid extraction.

The production process of black garlic extract is more complex. Firstly, fresh garlic needs to undergo fermentation, a process that changes the chemical composition and physical properties of garlic. After fermentation, the effective ingredients were obtained from black garlic by an extraction process. Due to the complex chemical reactions that occur during fermentation, the composition of black garlic extract is significantly different from that of garlic extract. The following chart shows their differences.

Ingredients	Garlic extract	Black garlic extract
Taste and smell	Retains raw garlic taste and smell	Milder, sweeter, and has a caramel-like flavor
Source	Raw garlic	Aged garlic
Nutritional Composition	High in allicin	Rich in antioxidants, especially SAC
Bioavailability	/	Better absorption and bioavailability
Health benefits	Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, blood lipid lowering, enhance immunity.	Antioxidant, enhance immunity, anti-fatigue, cardiovascular protection, and lower irritation, more suitable for gastrointestinal sensitivity.

Which is better for you? Garlic extract or black garlic extract?

Garlic extract and black garlic extract both offer unique benefits, which is better for you depending on your health goals and personal preferences. Comparative studies suggest that black garlic extract has superior antioxidant properties due to the aging process, which boosts its potency against free radicals. Those seeking higher antioxidant levels and better overall absorption, better blood sugar control, and cognitive support may prefer black garlic extract.

However, garlic extract still offers impressive health benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. If you like the spicy taste of garlic and have a good stomach function that can accept the irritation of garlic, then garlic extract is for you. Or if you’re after cardiovascular benefits, garlic extract might be your go-to. Consider your health goals, tolerance, and preferred flavor when choosing between garlic extract and black garlic extract.

In conclusion

Garlic extract and black garlic extract have their own advantages and are suitable for different people and needs. Garlic extract is more suitable for people who need antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, while black garlic extract is more suitable for people who pay attention to antioxidants and immune enhancement. Regardless of the choice, health conditions and needs should be considered to achieve the best health results. Give them a try and see which works best for you!