Tips

The Magic Breath Saver: A Quick Fix for Overindulging in Garlic and Onions

Onions and garlic are the dynamic duo of spices that elevate any dish. Incorporating them into your daily cooking not only enhances the flavor but also offers a host of health benefits. Don't worry about the lingering onion and garlic breath after indulging in these tasty treats, as there's a quick fix to neutralize any potent aromas.

Administrator

28 August, 2024

Garlic and onions, along with their cousins leeks and chives, are part of the allium family, renowned for their health-boosting properties. Alliums are rich in organosulfur compounds, which preliminary research suggests may help lower cholesterol and blood pressure, and offer protection against chronic illnesses, including cancer and cardiovascular disease.

It is the sulfur compounds in garlic and onions that give this group of vegetables their distinctive aroma. When cut or crushed, these vegetables release sulfur compounds, particularly in the mouth, where bacteria reside, resulting in pungent-smelling breath for a few hours.

During digestion, garlic and onions continue to affect your breath through the lungs. The compound responsible for garlicky breath escaping from the lungs is called allyl methyl sulfide (AMS). AMS is a gas that is absorbed into the bloodstream during the metabolism of garlic and then travels to the lungs via the blood. Sometimes, AMS is also excreted through the pores in the skin. This is why it’s challenging to eliminate garlic breath entirely.

So, if you have a client meeting or an important presentation, it’s best to minimize your consumption of garlic and onions or eat them earlier in the day to allow their potent aroma to dissipate. In emergency situations, try the following tips!

Firstly, to ensure you remove all food debris and maximize odor neutralization, use dental floss, brush your teeth with toothpaste, and rinse with a mouthwash containing essential oils.

1. Chew gum or mint leaves

Popping a stick of gum after a meal will stimulate saliva production in your mouth. Chewing on fresh mint leaves or gum containing natural oils like peppermint and cinnamon is effective in combating pungent breath.

2. Munch on fresh, tangy fruits

The oxidizing properties of apples, which cause the fruit to turn brown when bitten, can help neutralize garlic and onion breath. Alternatively, try eating an orange or drinking lemon water.

3. Sip a warm cup of tea

Drinking green tea, which contains polyphenols, can help neutralize the sulfur compounds found in garlic and onions.

4. Drink a glass of milk

Milk has been proven to be effective in combating garlic and onion breath. However, it’s important to note that milk is perishable, and consuming milk that has been opened and left unused for more than three days may have the opposite of the desired effect.

5. Opt for acidic drinks

Beverages with a pH level below 3.6, such as lemon, passion fruit, grapefruit, and cranberry juices, as well as certain soft drinks, can help neutralize the enzyme alliinase, which is responsible for the pungent odor found in onions and garlic.

A note of caution when consuming garlic and onions

A 2018 research review suggested that prebiotic fiber, such as that found in garlic and onions, may even be better for the gut than the fiber found in some fruits, vegetables, and grains. However, it’s important to be aware that garlic and onions are high in FODMAPs. These are short-chain carbohydrates, including sugars and fibers.

For some individuals with poor small intestine absorption, consuming large amounts of garlic and onions can cause digestive issues or conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux, leading to symptoms like bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.

According to Legal and Reader

Frequently asked questions

The Magic Breath Saver is a quick and easy remedy to neutralize the odor of garlic and onions on one’s breath. It involves eating a few sprigs of fresh parsley after a meal containing garlic or onions.

Parsley is a natural deodorizer and contains compounds that neutralize the sulfur compounds responsible for the strong odor of garlic and onions. The chlorophyll in parsley helps to absorb and eliminate these odor-causing compounds from the body.

A few sprigs of fresh parsley should be sufficient. Chew them thoroughly to release the chlorophyll and other compounds that combat the odor. You can also try parsley tea or parsley supplements for a more concentrated dose.

Yes, parsley is a nutrient-rich herb that offers various health benefits. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants that can boost your immune system and promote overall health.

While dried parsley may still offer some deodorizing effects, fresh parsley is more effective due to its higher chlorophyll content. If you don’t have access to fresh parsley, you can try using other fresh herbs with deodorizing properties, such as mint or basil.