Garlic is beloved worldwide for its rich flavor and health benefits, but it also has a less-loved reputation for causing strong, lingering breath and body odor. Whether you’re adding garlic to pasta, enjoying garlic bread, or cooking with garlic-laden sauces, it’s common to experience that unmistakable odor afterward. Here’s a guide to understanding why garlic causes such strong smells and practical tips to reduce garlic breath and smell, so you can enjoy this delicious ingredient without worry.
Why Garlic Causes Odor
Garlic’s powerful smell is due to sulfur-containing compounds, specifically allicin, which is released when garlic is chopped, minced, or crushed. Allicin quickly breaks down into other sulfur-based compounds, like allyl methyl sulfide, which lingers in the bloodstream and is expelled through the lungs, sweat, and even pores, creating a strong, sometimes persistent odor. Unfortunately, traditional oral hygiene methods don’t always reach these compounds in the bloodstream, which makes garlic odor hard to mask.
How to Prevent Garlic Breath and Body Odor
Eat Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and basil contain chlorophyll, which acts as a natural deodorizer. Parsley, in particular, has long been used as a garnish precisely because it freshens the breath. Chewing on fresh herbs right after a garlic-laden meal can help neutralize some of the sulfur compounds in the mouth.
Drink Milk
Research has shown that drinking milk during or after a garlicky meal can help reduce garlic breath. Full-fat milk, in particular, binds more effectively with the sulfur compounds in garlic, reducing their pungency. Drinking milk while eating garlic may be even more effective than drinking it afterward, as it can neutralize some of the odor-producing compounds before they reach your bloodstream.
Eat Apples or Other Crisp Fruits
Apples, along with other crisp fruits like pears, contain natural compounds that break down sulfur compounds. Eating an apple or sipping on apple juice after a garlic-heavy meal can reduce lingering odors. The polyphenols in apples also help break down volatile sulfur compounds, making them especially effective.
Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, which have been found to deodorize garlic breath. After a garlicky meal, drinking a cup of green tea can help mask the odor. Plus, the antioxidants in green tea are good for overall health, so this is a win-win option. Adding a splash of lemon juice to green tea may further enhance the effects, as the acidity can also help neutralize sulfur compounds.
Citrus Fruits
Like green tea, citrus fruits are high in polyphenols and contain acid, which helps break down sulfur compounds. Oranges, lemons, and limes are great options. Squeeze lemon juice into water or eat an orange after a garlic-laden meal to help freshen breath. Lemon juice can also stimulate saliva production, which helps wash away bacteria and leftover food particles.
Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing gum, especially those with strong flavors like mint or cinnamon, can mask garlic breath temporarily. Sugar-free gum also increases saliva flow, which helps rinse away garlic particles from the mouth. Chewing gum is a quick fix that’s easy to carry on the go, but remember, it’s a temporary solution.
Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for washing away garlic particles from the mouth and minimizing garlic breath. Drinking water while you eat garlic and throughout the day afterward can dilute sulfur compounds and stimulate saliva production. Increased saliva flow can help rinse odor-causing bacteria and leftover food particles, freshening your mouth.
Brushing and Mouthwash
Although brushing your teeth and using mouthwash won’t completely eliminate garlic breath, it’s an important step. Brushing and flossing help remove garlic particles stuck in the mouth and teeth, reducing the intensity of garlic breath. Mouthwash with a strong minty or cinnamon flavor can mask the odor as well, though it’s more effective for short-term freshness than for completely removing the smell.
Avoid Consuming Too Much Garlic on an Empty Stomach
Eating garlic on an empty stomach can intensify its effects on breath and body odor. When garlic is eaten with other foods, it’s less likely to enter the bloodstream at a high concentration, meaning it has less impact on your breath and sweat. So try to consume garlic with balanced meals that include fats and proteins to mitigate its potency.
Experiment with Garlic Supplements
Garlic supplements are an option if you enjoy the health benefits of garlic but want to avoid the smell. Some garlic supplements are deodorized or formulated to be odorless. However, it’s best to check the effectiveness of each supplement as they can vary. Note that while supplements provide the health benefits, they might not deliver the same flavor as fresh garlic.
Final Thoughts
Garlic breath can be challenging to manage because of the way garlic compounds enter the bloodstream. However, these natural remedies can help minimize its effects and keep you smelling fresh. By adding some of these tips to your routine, you can enjoy garlic without worrying about lingering odors. Whether it’s munching on parsley, sipping green tea, or reaching for an apple after a meal, these small habits can make a big difference.
