What we eat can greatly impact our body scent. Certain foods contain compounds that can alter our body odor, making us smell different than usual. Whether we like it or not, what we eat can affect how others perceive us.

In this article, we’ll explore six foods that can affect our body scent.

Garlic

Garlic is well-known for its strong smell and taste. When we eat garlic, it releases a compound called allicin, which gets into our bloodstream and is eliminated by our lungs and skin.

This process can take up to 24 hours, which means the garlic odor can linger on our breath and skin for some time. Some people find the smell appealing, while others find it repulsive. To minimize the odor, you can try chewing on parsley, mint, or cloves after eating garlic.

Cumin

Cumin is a spice commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican cuisine. It has a distinct flavor and aroma that can be quite strong. Like garlic, cumin can affect our body odor.

A study published in Chemical Senses found that cumin can increase the level of a compound called 2-Nonenal in our sweat, which is responsible for the “old person smell”. This odor is often associated with aging and can be quite unpleasant. To avoid this, you can try reducing your intake of cumin or replacing it with milder spices like coriander or turmeric.

Red Meat

Red meat, such as beef and lamb, contains a high amount of protein. When we digest protein, our body produces ammonia, which can give off a strong smell.

This smell can be more noticeable in people who consume a lot of red meat or have a high-protein diet. To minimize the odor, you can try reducing your intake of red meat and increasing your intake of vegetables and fruits.

Related Article 10 foods that alter your body odor

Coffee

Coffee is a staple for many people around the world. It provides a jolt of caffeine that can help wake us up and get us going. However, coffee can also affect our body odor.

Coffee contains compounds called catechols and quinones, which can give off a strong, bitter smell. This odor can be more noticeable in people who consume a lot of coffee or have a slow metabolism. To minimize the odor, you can try reducing your intake of coffee or switching to decaf.

Fish

Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for our health. However, some fish can give off a strong odor, particularly when they are cooked or eaten raw.

Fish contains a compound called trimethylamine (TMA), which has a pungent smell. In some people, TMA is excreted through the skin and breath, giving off a fishy odor. To minimize the odor, you can try cooking fish with lemon or vinegar, which can help neutralize the smell.

Cabbage

Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is packed with vitamins and minerals. However, it can also give off a strong odor when cooked or eaten raw. Cabbage contains sulfur compounds, which are responsible for its pungent smell.

In some people, these compounds can be excreted through the skin and breath, giving off a sulfuric odor. To minimize the odor, you can try cooking cabbage with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, which can help reduce the smell.

Conclusion

Our body scent can be influenced by many different factors, including what we eat. While some foods can give off pleasant odors, others can be quite strong and unpleasant.

By being mindful of what we eat and how it affects our body odor, we can make informed choices that can help us smell fresh and clean.