Roasted garlic with pork belly and lettuce wraps is a level of soul food for Koreans. However, as I age, I feel a warm sensation in my body the next day after eating garlic, so I asked ChatGPT about it.

If a woman in her 30s or 40s eats about four cloves of roasted garlic and feels warmth in her body, it's not just because it's spicy; it's because a physiological change is actually happening inside her body.

Garlic contains a powerful sulfur compound called allicin, which, when heated, transforms into substances like S-allyl cysteine, expanding blood vessels and enhancing blood circulation. In fact, it doesn't actually make the body hot; it feels like the body temperature rises because the blood is circulating quickly.

Especially, roasted garlic can show this vasodilation effect more distinctly than raw garlic, which is less irritating.

For women in their 40s, this coincides slightly with hormonal changes. On days when they are tired or stressed, eating garlic can cause a stronger sensation of warmth in the face or body as blood circulation increases. This is a temporary phenomenon.

Garlic doesn't warm the body but rather plays a role in 'waking up circulation.' Therefore, it can be beneficial for those with cold hands and feet or frequent swelling.

However, those with weak stomachs should be cautious. Garlic promotes gastric acid secretion, so eating it on an empty stomach can cause discomfort or a burning sensation in the chest. This heat is not due to blood flow but rather irritation from gastric acid. In such cases, it's much better to consume it after meals.

In summary, you may feel a sensation of warmth as blood vessels expand and blood circulates well, and the antioxidant properties of garlic may temporarily activate liver and metabolic functions, making you feel warm. Additionally, consuming it on an empty stomach may irritate the stomach, leading to a burning sensation.

These reactions are mostly natural physiological phenomena. However, if this warmth occurs too frequently or is accompanied by headaches, palpitations, or stomach discomfort, it's advisable to reduce the amount of garlic. Eating 2-3 cloves of roasted garlic a day is sufficient. Consuming too much garlic can temporarily raise blood pressure or irritate the stomach.

Ultimately, this is the body signaling, "I'm actively metabolizing right now!"

Especially for women in their 40s, this small 'blood flow response' is a good sign that the body is still responding healthily.