Garlic is undoubtedly one of the most versatile ingredients for enhancing the taste of food. It is used in various cuisines and contains many health benefits.

However, the downside to garlic consumption is that it leaves an unpleasant odor in your breath and skin. The strong garlic aroma may linger for days, making you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.

Here are seven foods that make you smell like garlic.

1. Onions

Onions and garlic are related, both belonging to the Allium family. They share similar chemical compounds that give them their distinct aroma and flavor.

When eaten raw, cooked, or when added to dishes, onions can cause bad breath and body odor, similar to garlic. Eating onions with garlic is likely to intensify the smell.

2. Curry

Curry is a mix of spices that includes cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili, among others. These spices have a robust aroma that can cause body odor, leaving you smelling like curry. When curry is cooked with garlic, the odor multiplies.

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3. Cabbage

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is loaded with health benefits. However, it contains sulfur compounds naturally, which are responsible for causing body odor. These sulfur compounds mix with garlic and create a potent smell that lingers for hours.

4. Fish

Fish contains Trimethylamine (TMA), a compound that gives it a fishy smell. When consumed, TMA is released through sweat and breath, causing body odor. Garlic is often used to flavor fish dishes, intensifying the smell.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol causes dehydration, leading to dry mouth and reduced saliva production. This condition allows bacteria to grow, creating an environment for bad breath. Consuming alcohol with garlic increases the chances of pungent odor on the breath.

6. Spicy Foods

Spicy foods contain capsaicin, a compound that stimulates the same nerve endings in the mouth as garlic. The burning sensation breaks down the cells in the mouth and allows bacteria to grow, which leads to bad breath.

Spicy foods eaten with garlic can make the odor worse.

7. Dairy Products

Dairy products contain casein, a protein that reacts with garlic when consumed. This reaction produces a compound called allyl methyl sulfide, which creates unpleasant body odor that can last for hours.