Craving Answers: The Surprising Reason Why Mukbangers Can't Get Enough of Garlic

Have you ever stumbled upon a video online of someone devouring an entire bulb of garlic in one sitting? Or maybe you’ve heard of the term “mukbanging” and wondered why anyone would subject themselves to such a thing. Well, it turns out that eating garlic is a popular trend among mukbangers, or those who film themselves consuming large amounts of food. But the question remains: why do these mukbangers choose to eat garlic specifically? In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of mukbanging and uncover the reasons behind their love for this pungent vegetable. So get ready to sink your teeth into this intriguing topic and discover why mukbangers can’t resist chowing down on garlic.

Mukbang, a trend that originated in South Korea, has grown to become a popular form of online entertainment and is rapidly gaining global recognition. It involves individuals or groups eating copious amounts of food while live streaming themselves for an audience. Mukbangers have been known to consume all types of food, from seafood feasts to spicy challenges. However, there is one particular ingredient that has stirred up curiosity among viewers and sparked the question – Why do mukbangers eat garlic?

The History of Mukbang

To understand why mukbangers eat garlic, it is essential to know the beginnings of this phenomenon. Mukbang first gained recognition in South Korea in the early 2010s through online platforms like AfreecaTV. However, it wasn’t until 2015 when a popular Korean mukbanger known as The Diva made headlines and sparked international interest with her videos. Since then, mukbang has spread globally, with popular names such as Nikocado Avocado and Yuka Kinoshita gaining millions of followers on their channels.

The Appeal of Garlic in Mukbangs

Garlic is a staple ingredient used in various cuisines around the world, including Korean cuisine. On average, Koreans consume around seven grams of garlic per day. So it’s no surprise that garlic can often be found on many Korean mukbangers’ plates. But why have mukbangers specifically singled out this particular ingredient?

One reason could be the bold and pungent flavor that garlic adds to dishes. Most mukbangers eat large portions of food during their livestreams, making it crucial to have flavors that are strong enough to stand out. Garlic’s unmistakable taste and aroma make it an ideal choice for those who want to make an impression on their audience.

Moreover, garlic is also a budget-friendly ingredient, making it perfect for mukbangers who need to keep their costs low while consuming large amounts of food. Garlic is widely available and relatively inexpensive, allowing mukbangers to incorporate it into their meals without breaking the bank.

The Health Benefits of Garlic

Apart from its taste and affordability, garlic also offers several health benefits, making it a popular choice among mukbangers who want to maintain a balanced diet. Garlic contains sulfur compounds that are responsible for its characteristic odor but also have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help boost the immune system and may protect against illnesses.

Furthermore, garlic is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, vitamin C, selenium, and manganese. It also contains antioxidants that can help reduce the risk of heart disease by preventing cell damage and reducing cholesterol levels.

Garlic in Mukbangs – A Cultural Aspect

In Korean cuisine, garlic is often used as a seasoning or side dish. Therefore, including garlic in mukbangs could also be seen as a way of preserving cultural traditions and showcasing them to a global audience. Many viewers may not have access to traditional Korean dishes or might be unfamiliar with them. Thus, featuring garlic in mukbangs could introduce and promote this aspect of Korean culture to a broader audience.

Furthermore, garlic has been used in traditional medicine for centuries in Asian countries like Korea for its medicinal properties. By incorporating it into their meals during mukbangs, some mukbangers may also be trying to highlight this cultural aspect.

Controversies Surrounding Garlic in Mukbangs

Although adding garlic to meals during mukbangs may seem like just another ingredient choice for most people, it has stirred up some controversies over the years. Some viewers have expressed concerns about excessive consumption of garlic and its potential effects on health, such as bad breath, indigestion, and digestive issues.

Moreover, some have also accused mukbangers of faking the amount of garlic they use in their videos, claiming that it’s impossible for a person to consume such large quantities without experiencing side effects. However, there is no definitive evidence to support these claims.

In conclusion, there could be many reasons why mukbangers choose to eat garlic during their livestreams. Its strong flavor, health benefits, cultural significance, and budget-friendliness are all factors that make it an attractive ingredient for mukbangs. Regardless of the controversies surrounding it, garlic remains a staple in mukbangs and will likely continue to be so in the future. So the next time you watch a mukbang video and wonder – Why do they eat garlic? – you’ll know that there’s more to it than just its bold taste.

The History of Garlic Consumption in Mukbang Culture

Garlic has been a staple ingredient in various cuisines for centuries, known for its strong aroma and distinct flavor. In recent years, it has gained even more popularity through mukbang, a trend that involves individuals eating large amounts of food while broadcasting it online. But why do mukbangers specifically choose to eat garlic as part of their repertoire? To understand the origins of this phenomenon, we must dive into the history of garlic consumption in mukbang culture.

Dating back to ancient China, garlic was believed to have medicinal properties and was commonly used as a natural remedy for various ailments. Its pungent odor was also thought to ward off evil spirits. As time went on, garlic spread throughout Asia and became an important ingredient in many dishes, including Korean cuisine. With the rise of mukbang in South Korea during the 2010s, it was only natural for garlic to make its way into these videos.

Initially, mukbangers would incorporate garlic into dishes such as kimchi fried rice or spicy stir-fried chicken, adding an extra layer of flavor to their meals. As viewers became more interested in watching mukbangers consume unique and exaggerated portions of food, creators started incorporating entire heads of roasted garlic on their plates. This sparked a new trend within the community – eating large amounts of whole cloves of garlic.

Moreover, social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube began showcasing videos of foreign mukbangers challenging themselves to eat raw garlic cloves without flinching. These videos gained widespread attention and generated a sense of excitement among viewers. As a result, incorporating garlic into mukbangs became a way for creators to increase their views and engagement.

In addition to its flavorful profile and cultural significance in Asia, there are also claims that consuming raw garlic offers many health benefits such as improving heart health and boosting the immune system. This added element of potential health benefits further fueled the trend of including garlic in mukbangs.

The Science Behind Mukbangers Eating Garlic

Apart from its cultural and historical ties to mukbang, there are scientific reasons why consuming garlic has become a popular trend among mukbangers. According to studies, garlic contains allicin, a compound that is responsible for its pungent smell and taste. Allicin is also known for its antioxidant and antibacterial properties, making it a sought-after ingredient in traditional medicine.

When consumed, allicin breaks down into various compounds that can have positive effects on the body, including reducing inflammation and aiding digestion. What’s interesting is that allicin is released only when garlic cloves are crushed, chopped or chewed. This explains why mukbangers prefer incorporating raw or roasted cloves of garlic into their meals rather than cooked ones – to reap the full benefits of this compound.

Moreover, some mukbangers claim that eating raw garlic prior to consuming large amounts of food helps stimulate their appetite. As videos depicting garlic being consumed whole gained popularity, creators started challenging themselves to eat larger amounts of it with every video – as a way to impress their viewers.

Additionally, some studies suggest that eating raw garlic can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. This makes it an attractive choice for individuals aiming to maintain a balanced diet while indulging in large quantities of food for entertainment purposes.

The Impact of Eating Garlic on Mukbang Videos

With mukbangs gaining worldwide attention, many individuals have questioned the health consequences of consuming large amounts of food on camera – especially when it comes to incorporating ingredients such as raw garlic. However, creators argue that mukbangs are not meant to be consumed as daily meals but rather as a form of entertainment.

In fact, creators often make an effort to balance out their mukbangs by incorporating healthier items such as fruits and vegetables alongside their indulgent meals. This is particularly relevant when it comes to garlic, as it is a recognized superfood with various potential health benefits.

Additionally, the incorporation of garlic in mukbangs has sparked a new trend within the community – individuals challenging themselves to eat large amounts of garlic on camera. These videos have garnered millions of views and have even led to specific challenges, such as eating 100 cloves of garlic or eating an entire head of roasted garlic.

While some may view this trend as unnecessary or even harmful, creators argue that they always have the choice to opt-out and not participate in consuming raw or large quantities of garlic. They also emphasize that mukbangs are meant for entertainment purposes and that viewers should not try to replicate these excessive food challenges at home.

In conclusion, the consumption of garlic in mukbang videos has a rich history rooted in cultural heritage and traditional beliefs. It has also gained popularity due to its scientifically proven health benefits and its ability to add extra flavor and excitement to meals. Moreover, incorporating raw or roasted cloves of garlic in large portions has become an exciting challenge within the mukbang

1) Why do mukbangers eat garlic in their videos?
Garlic adds an extra layer of flavor to the food, making it more enjoyable for the viewers to watch.

2) Is eating garlic unhealthy?
No, eating garlic in moderate amounts is actually beneficial for health. However, excessive consumption may lead to certain digestive problems.

3) Do mukbangers use fresh or powdered garlic?
There is no set rule for this, but most mukbangers prefer to use fresh garlic as it has a stronger and more distinct flavor compared to powdered garlic.

4) How does garlic affect the taste of the food?
Garlic has a strong and unique flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. It can add a savory and slightly spicy element to the food.

5) Can mukbang viewers smell the garlic through their screen?
Unfortunately, no. The smell of garlic does not transmit through a screen. However, some mukbang creators may exaggerate their reactions to enhance their videos.

6) Are there any health benefits of eating garlic during mukbangs?
Yes, garlic has numerous health benefits such as boosting immunity, lowering blood pressure, and reducing cholesterol levels. However, it should be consumed in moderation along with a balanced diet.

In conclusion, the act of mukbanging has become a popular trend in today’s society, with many viewers tuning in to watch their favorite mukbangers devour large amounts of food. However, the incorporation of garlic into these mukbangs has sparked both curiosity and controversy. Through research and analysis, it can be concluded that there are various reasons why mukbangers choose to eat garlic during their videos.

Firstly, garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the food being consumed, making it more enjoyable for the viewers. This aligns with the purpose of mukbangs – to provide entertainment and satisfaction for viewers through vicarious food consumption. Additionally, garlic has numerous health benefits, such as boosting immunity and aiding digestion, which can justify its presence in mukbangs as a way to incorporate nutritious elements into an otherwise “unhealthy” eating show.

On the other hand, some argue that eating excessive amounts of garlic during a mukbang may promote dangerous behavior and send a wrong message about healthy eating habits. This highlights the potential negative impact that mukbangs can have on viewers’ perceptions and behaviors towards food.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider cultural differences and perspectives when discussing the consumption of certain foods in mukbangs. Garlic

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Erick Benitez

In 2003, the Coast Sushi Bar was founded, quickly becoming a beloved fixture in its trendy neighborhood, appreciated for its exceptional sushi and vibrant BYOB atmosphere.

The chefs at Coast have developed a mastery in blending subtle yet intricate flavors, establishing a reputation for pioneering innovative New-Japanese cuisine with only the finest global ingredients.

Building on decades of culinary success, the founder launched a new endeavor in 2024—a blog focused on Japanese snacks. This blog marks a significant shift from restaurateur to food blogger, motivated by a desire to share comprehensive insights into Japanese culinary arts and snack culture. The content covers traditional snacks, the evolution of snack culture in Japan, and the global influence and adaptation of these snacks.

Each blog post reflects the founder's commitment to quality and attention to detail, mirroring the standards of Coast Sushi Bar.

Aimed at both aficionados and novices of Japanese cuisine, the blog serves as a resource for deepening readers’ knowledge and appreciation of Japan's rich and diverse food culture.

Craving Answers: The Surprising Reason Why Mukbangers Can’t Get Enough of Garlic