We all know that some foods can make us smell worse, such as garlic, onions, curry, and alcohol. But are there any foods that can make us smell better? The answer is yes. There are some foods that can improve our body odor and make us more appealing to others. Here are some of them:
Citrus fruits: Fruits like oranges, lemons, grapefruits, and limes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help flush out toxins and bacteria from our body. They also have a fresh and pleasant aroma that can mask any unpleasant odors. Eating citrus fruits or drinking their juice can help you smell fresh and clean.
Mint: Mint is a natural deodorizer that can freshen up your breath and your body. Mint contains menthol, which has a cooling and refreshing effect on the skin and the mouth. Mint also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes. You can chew on some fresh mint leaves, drink mint tea, or use mint-based products (like toothpaste) to improve your smell.
Parsley: Parsley is another herb that can help you smell better. Parsley is rich in chlorophyll, which is a natural green pigment that can neutralize bad odors and cleanse the blood. Parsley also contains vitamin C, iron, and zinc, which are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system and preventing infections. You can add parsley to your salads, soups, or smoothies, or chew on some raw parsley after eating foods that could cause bad breath.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a spice that can boost your metabolism and your mood. Cinnamon has a warm and sweet scent that can stimulate the senses and make you more attractive to others. Cinnamon also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that can fight inflammation and infection in the body. You can sprinkle some cinnamon on your oatmeal, coffee, or yogurt, or use cinnamon oil as a natural perfume.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that can enhance your memory and your smell. Rosemary has a woody and herbal aroma that can stimulate the brain and the nervous system. Rosemary also has antioxidants and phytochemicals that can protect the cells from damage and aging. You can use rosemary as a seasoning for your dishes, brew rosemary tea, or inhale rosemary essential oil to improve your smell.
These are only some of the foods that can make you smell better. Of course, eating these foods alone is not enough to ensure good hygiene and health. You also need to drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, shower daily, wear clean clothes, and use natural deodorants to keep yourself smelling good.
Remember, your smell is part of your personality and your identity. It can affect how you feel about yourself and how others perceive you. So, choose your foods wisely and enjoy their benefits for your body and your mind.
But why does food change the body’s smell?
There are two main types of sweat glands in the human body: eccrine and apocrine. Eccrine glands are found all over the skin and secrete sweat directly to the surface to cool down the body. Eccrine sweat is mostly water and salt, and it does not have a strong smell. Apocrine glands are located in areas with hair follicles, such as the armpits, groin, and pubic region. Apocrine glands secrete sweat into the hair follicles, where it mixes with sebum (oil) and bacteria. Apocrine sweat contains fats and proteins that can be decomposed by bacteria into odorous substances, such as sulfur compounds, fatty acids, and ammonia.
Different people have different bacterial flora on their skin, which can result in different smells. Some bacteria produce more odor than others, depending on the type of sweat they encounter. For example, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus are two common bacteria that cause body odor by breaking down apocrine sweat. The number of bacteria on the skin can increase due to factors such as poor hygiene, excessive sweating, hormonal changes, or medical conditions.
Food can also influence body odor by changing the composition of sweat or by releasing certain chemicals through the skin. Some foods contain sulfur, such as garlic, onions, broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower. Sulfur can build up in the body and come out through eccrine sweat glands, giving a pungent smell. Some foods can also make apocrine sweat more acidic or alkaline, which can affect how bacteria break it down. For example, meat can make sweat more acidic, while dairy products can make it more alkaline. Some foods can also release volatile compounds through the skin that can alter the natural scent of the body. For example, alcohol can be metabolized into acetaldehyde, which has a fruity smell. Spicy foods can also stimulate the production of sweat and increase blood flow to the skin, which can enhance body odor.