SAEDNEWS: Garlic is a dual-natured food: on one hand, it’s a delicious ingredient and spice that enhances the flavor of dishes; on the other, it’s the culprit behind unpleasant breath. But why does garlic have this effect, and how can you get rid of it?
According to Saed News, raw garlic itself has little odor. However, once a clove is crushed or peeled, chemical compounds are released that are responsible for its strong, pungent smell. This odor becomes even more noticeable after digestion and chemical reactions in the mouth and gastrointestinal tract.
When a garlic cell is cut, it releases an enzyme called alliinase, which reacts with air to produce allicin—the compound that gives raw garlic its sharp aroma. Allicin quickly breaks down into foul-smelling sulfur-containing compounds, which are difficult for the body to eliminate after digestion.
Don’t worry—garlic breath isn’t inevitable. Over the years, various methods have been suggested to mask or eliminate the smell. Now, researchers at Ohio State University have found an effective solution: plain yogurt.
Scientists placed raw garlic in glass containers and measured the amount of volatile sulfur compounds before and after exposure to different fat and protein sources. The results showed that full-fat yogurt reduced 99% of the odor-causing compounds. This finding aligns with previous studies that identified full-fat milk as an effective remedy for garlic breath.
Beyond its effect on breath, garlic has numerous health benefits, including antibacterial, antiviral, disinfectant, and antifungal properties. It is also beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
In conclusion, if you want to enjoy garlic without bothering those around you, the simple and scientific solution is to eat some yogurt at the end of your meal.
