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| - Last Updated on February 24, 2025 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A social media post claims that desi ghee and garlic on an empty stomach can prevent cancer. After fact checking, it was found that this claim is false.
The Claim
According to an Instagram post, “Consuming desi ghee and garlic on an empty stomach reduces weight, increases sexual power, makes skin glow, stops hair fall, cures joint pain, sharpens the brain, reduces blood pressure, controls cholesterol, and prevents cancer.”
Fact Check
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.
Cancer risk is influenced by many factors, including genetics, medical history, existing health conditions, lifestyle choices, environment, and occupation. Eating garlic and ghee alone cannot address all these complex risk factors.
Additionally, ghee has no proven cancer-preventive properties in humans. A 2012 study found that cow ghee, compared to soybean oil, reduced cancer-causing enzyme activity in the liver and increased detoxifying enzymes in the liver and mammary tissues of rats. Although this suggests cow ghee might help protect against mammary cancer, we still need more research to confirm this in humans.
Regarding the question of whether eating desi ghee and garlic daily on an empty stomach can prevent cancer, it’s crucial to understand that no single food can guarantee cancer prevention. As 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.” She emphasises focusing on a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, avoiding harmful substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol, minimising sun exposure, and getting regular medical check-ups. While garlic and ghee may offer some health benefits, they are not a substitute for a holistic health strategy and professional medical advice.
On a related note, another home remedy falsely claims that eating turmeric in the squat position can prevent cancer for life. Furthermore, there are claims that carrots and leafy greens can protect smokers from lung cancer. But even this is not true.
Can desi ghee and garlic reduce weight?
No, not really. There’s no evidence that eating desi ghee and garlic on an empty stomach leads to weight loss. Desi ghee is high in calories—about 112 calories per tablespoon—and while it contains healthy fats, it won’t magically burn fat. Garlic might slightly boost metabolism due to its compound allicin, but studies show this effect is tiny and not enough to cause significant weight loss. Without a balanced diet and exercise, this combination won’t help in weight loss. For a broader understanding of healthy fats, you might find it helpful to explore the differences between oil, ghee, and butter.
For expert opinion, we spoke with Dr Swati Dave, PhD in Food and Nutrition, regarding whether desi ghee and garlic can aid weight loss. She states, “Desi ghee and garlic, while nutritious, are not weight-loss shortcuts. Effective weight management relies on a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and personalised guidance, not single food remedies.”
Can desi ghee and garlic increase sexual power?
Maybe. Garlic is often considered an aphrodisiac, and some studies suggest it might improve blood flow and testosterone levels, potentially boosting libido. However, human evidence is weak and inconsistent.
Ghee provides energy from fats, but no research links it directly to better sexual performance. In fact, a 2020 study found that ghee lowered sperm count and sex hormones in rats, although it slightly increased sperm motility. It also raised cholesterol levels. Overall, ghee didn’t improve fertility. Any perceived benefits are likely overstated or due to the placebo effect.
Can consuming desi ghee and garlic make skin glow?
Maybe. Garlic’s antioxidants, like vitamin C, might help fight skin damage over time. Ghee contains fatty acids and vitamin A, which could moisturise skin if applied topically or eaten as part of a varied diet. However, there’s no research supporting that consuming them together on an empty stomach directly results in a glowing skin.
Can desi ghee and garlic stop hair fall?
Not really. Hair fall is often linked to underlying factors such as genetics, stress, or nutrient deficiencies like iron or biotin. It’s true that garlic’s sulfur compounds might offer mild support for hair health, and ghee’s fats could be beneficial if you have an essential fatty acid deficiency. Furthermore, research from 2023 on complementary and alternative medicine for alopecia areata indicates that topical garlic, amongst other therapies, has shown some efficacy in promoting hair growth, though these studies have limitations. However, crucially, no studies specifically demonstrate that consuming garlic and ghee together, particularly on an empty stomach, effectively stops hair loss.
Can desi ghee and garlic reduce blood pressure?
Maybe. Garlic supplements might slightly lower blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, thanks to allicin. However, ghee’s high saturated fat could elevate cholesterol, potentially counteracting any benefit from the garlic. While moderate ghee consumption contributes to overall health, no studies confirm the combined effect of garlic and ghee on an empty stomach, leaving the blood pressure claim unsubstantiated.
Can desi ghee and garlic control cholesterol?
Probably. It’s possible garlic could offer a small reduction in “bad” LDL cholesterol, based on some studies. However, ghee’s impact is more complex. While excessive ghee consumption can raise cholesterol due to its saturated fat content, research also suggests that moderate amounts, within a balanced diet, might not significantly increase cholesterol and could even potentially lower LDL. Yet, because people react differently, it’s best to discuss dietary changes with your doctor. A 2010 study further illustrates this complexity, showing mixed results on ghee’s effect on cholesterol and triglycerides in rats. So, while both garlic and moderate ghee consumption might play a role in a healthy diet, they aren’t a guaranteed way to “control” cholesterol, especially not through a simple morning routine
THIP Media Take
The claim that desi ghee and garlic on an empty stomach can prevent cancer is mostly false. The social media post claims many health benefits from eating ghee and garlic on an empty stomach, but scientific evidence doesn’t support these claims. While garlic might offer minor benefits, like small reductions in blood pressure or cholesterol, these aren’t guaranteed and require consistent intake. Ghee provides healthy fats, but also adds calories and saturated fat, which could be harmful if eaten in excess. Many claims, such as cancer prevention, lack solid proof and exaggerate the power of this combination. While there might be some truth to parts of it, most of the claims are speculative. A balanced lifestyle is the best way to achieve health goals; a single serving of ghee and garlic isn’t a simple solution.
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