Having a bad body odor may be embarrassing. While body odor is due to genetics, certain food items also play an important role. Apart from brains and beauty, the way you smell is also a critical factor in pushing or pulling certain people around you. All of us have a signature odor smell which is determined by genetics, personal hygiene, health, and most importantly, our diet.
Read on to know which food items help to fight body odor:
1 Celery
Celery is a great food item to fight bad breath. It is high in fiber and a great source of folate, potassium, Vitamin K, and manganese. The stalk is packed with androstenol and androstenone which causes the body to send off scents.
2 Water
Even though water is good for us, but it also helps to smell better. Water flushes out the things that cause a bad smell. Detox waters are a good example. You should consume vegetables and fruits having a high water content that reduces body odor.
3 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar overcomes the problem of foot odor. It kills bacteria and dries off excess sweat, which are the two main causes of foot odor. Add a half cup of apple cider vinegar to lukewarm water and soak your feet for about 20 minutes. It is an effective, good, and cheap cure.
4 Fenugreek seeds
Fenugreek leaves and seeds fight against the body odor by eliminating the toxins. Munching one teaspoon of soaked fenugreek seeds makes your body smell good all day. You can also consume it in the form of tea. Boil one teaspoon in a cup of water and prepare your tea.
5 Lemons
Lemons are responsible to fight against the bad odor from feet and underarms. Since they are acidic in nature, they curb the growth of odor-producing bacteria. Having a glass of lemon water helps in refreshing and cleaning your system. Rub half a lemon on the affected area and leave it to dry. Wash it after some time.
6 Fresh Herbs
Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, and basil deal with bad breath as they contain strong oils. These strong oils help to overpower the nose-offending scents. Add fresh herbs in a fruit salad or into your dinner to combat the smell you might get from food. These herbs can act as a mouthwash to mask odors temporarily.
7 Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges and pineapples are absorbed by the body and eliminate smells which are on our skin. The acids which are in these fruits cause water to flush eliminating the smell and causing us to smell fruity and pleasant. Since they also contain fiber, they move slowly through our system and flush out the toxins that contribute to body odors.
8 Apples
Apples help to fight against bad breath because of their natural detergent properties. When you bite an apple, you push away the plaque from your teeth and any food matter that may cause bacteria in your mouth.
9 Fennel Seeds
Ever wondered why many restaurants serve fennel seeds after your meal? That’s because chewing fennel seeds keep your bad breath at bay. Chewing these seeds increases the saliva which washes away bacteria from your mouth and neutralizes offensive odors and aids digestion. Also, fennel oils have antibacterial properties that fight germs that cause bad breath.
10 Green Tea
Green Tea contains antioxidants called polyphenols that fight the growth of bacteria, and also reduce the sulphur compounds that improve breath. Green tea extracts can be taken as a supplement which fights oral bacteria. The tannic acid found in green tea helps to keep your feet dry preventing perspiration.
11 Strawberry
Strawberries are high in water content and can prevent dry mouth. Since they are rich in Vitamin C, they create an environment hostile to germs and bacteria in the mouth. It also boosts the immune system and speeds up the healing process in the mouth.
12 Cardamom
Cardamom is known as a great breath freshener. It permeates the body quickly which leaves behind a fresh aroma. Adding this spice to a dish is good for your immune system.
13 Yogurt
Yogurt is an effective bad breath neutraliser. Having yogurt with live active culture lowers the odour-causing sulphate compounds in the alimentary canal that begins in your mouth. Since they are a potent source of Vitamin D, they fight mouth bacteria. The probiotics found in yogurt help with excessive gas and digestion.
14 Melons
Since melons are rich in Vitamin C, bacteria cannot thrive in such environments. They also have a high water content which hydrates the mouth and keeps the bacteria away.
15 Cornstarch
If you are facing the problem of bad odour from feet, then cornstarch is the effective remedy. The feet contain about half a million sweat glands, and when socks and shoes are worn, the sweat gets trapped inside. Fungus and bacteria can thrive in such a moist, warm environment which produces odour. Cornstarch fixes the problem of stinky feet as it absorbs excess moisture.
16 Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a great food item that fights against bad breath. The cinnamon stick can be added to hot water to make a revitalising tea. You can also use it as a mouthwash after the tea cools down.
17 Wheat grass
Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, a compound that reduces body odor. Adding two teaspoons of wheatgrass juice in a cup of water will give you good results when consumed daily.
18 Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is good for the digestive health and factors that deal with bad breath and body odor. It gives amazing results when you gargle with organic coconut oil followed by brushing your teeth.’
19 Sage
Sage has fragrant compounds that have the potential to fight odour. Add a teaspoon of dried sage to hot water. Strain the mixture and add lemon juice before consuming it.
20 Green Leafy Vegetables
Green Leafy Vegetables like kale, lettuce, and spinach are good for your health and oral hygiene. They balance the pH levels and keep alkaline levels low which prevents dry mouth, another cause of bad breath. They contain chlorophyll that is a natural deodoriser.
