Which foods are antimicrobial?

Foods that are antimicrobial are foods that contain natural compounds that can kill or inhibit bacteria, fungi, and some viruses in laboratory studies, though eating them does not cure internal infections like antibiotics do. The most studied antimicrobial foods include garlic, which contains allicin that has broad-spectrum activity against bacteria, fungi, and viruses, honey, especially Manuka honey, which produces hydrogen peroxide and methylglyoxal that kill bacteria including MRSA and is FDA approved for wound dressings, onions which contain sulfur compounds similar to garlic, ginger which contains gingerol and shogaol effective against some bacteria, turmeric containing curcumin with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, oregano which is rich in carvacrol and thymol potent against bacteria, thyme, cinnamon containing cinnamaldehyde, cloves containing eugenol, and coconut oil containing lauric acid that disrupts microbial membranes. Fermented foods like yogurt with probiotics contain beneficial bacteria that compete with harmful bacteria and produce antimicrobial substances. Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins that prevent bacteria from sticking to bladder walls, which may help prevent urinary tract infections. Green tea contains catechins with antimicrobial activity. However, concentrations in foods are usually too low to treat serious infections inside the body, and cooking often reduces activity. These foods are best used as part of a balanced diet to support immune health, along with good hygiene and HEPA air filtration to reduce airborne pathogen exposure.