Garlic is truly a superfood. Not only can it help eliminate unhealthy gut bacteria, prevent plaque buildup in your arteries, and protect you against colds and the flu, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that may help combat cancer and arthritis. However, one of the most notorious drawbacks of consuming garlic is the bad breath it leaves behind. The good news is that researchers have found a simple solution that lets you continue to enjoy garlic’s delicious flavor and impressive health benefits without any of its smelly side effects.
Research Breakthrough: Foods That Neutralize Garlic Breath
Recently, scientists at Ohio State University have discovered several foods with the remarkable ability to neutralize garlic breath. In a study, participants were given three grams of soft-neck garlic cloves to chew for 25 seconds. The participants’ breath was then tested for the presence of compounds known to cause garlic breath: diallyl disulfide, allyl mercaptan, allyl methyl disulfide, and allyl methyl sulfide.
Next, participants were given a variety of different foods to determine which ones were most effective at neutralizing the garlic odor. The foods tested included raw, juiced, or heated apple; raw or heated lettuce; raw or juiced mint leaves; and green tea.
Findings: Apples, Lettuce, and Mint Leaves to the Rescue
The study found that raw apple and raw lettuce reduced the number of garlic breath-causing compounds by an impressive 50 percent. Unsurprisingly, mint leaves were even more effective at reducing all of the compounds responsible for causing garlic breath. Although heated apple, heated lettuce, apple juice, and mint juice also reduced these compounds, they were not as effective as their raw counterparts, and green tea provided no benefit in combating garlic breath.
So the secret to enjoying a garlicky meal without the lingering odor could be as simple as munching on a piece of apple or lettuce or a sprig of mint afterward. Incorporating these foods into a salad you can enjoy with your meal is an easy way to make the most of their breath-saving properties.
Added Health Benefits of Apples, Lettuce, and Mint Leaves
In addition to their ability to neutralize garlic breath, raw apples, lettuce, and mint leaves each offer their own distinct health benefits. Apples are a rich source of antioxidants and fiber, which can help protect against heart disease and improve digestion. Plus, the act of chewing the fruit stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause bad breath.
Lettuce, on the other hand, contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. In addition to its impressive nutrient profile, lettuce is low in calories and high in water content, making it an ideal choice for those looking to lose weight or stay hydrated.
Mint leaves have been used for centuries as a natural remedy for digestive issues. They can help to soothe inflammation in the stomach and promote healthy digestion, which can also contribute to fresher breath. Moreover, the aroma of mint is a natural appetite suppressant, so enjoying a cup of mint tea or chewing on a mint leaf after a meal can help curb cravings and prevent overeating.
Adding More Garlic to Your Diet
With these simple breath-saving techniques in mind, you can now enjoy the delicious taste and powerful health benefits of garlic without fear of lingering odor. Some easy ways to incorporate more garlic into your diet include adding it to sauces, sautés, soups, and stir-fries, or even spreading a thin layer of minced garlic on toast for a flavorful, health-boosting snack. Remember to always slice, chop, or crush fresh garlic and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking, as this activates the enzymes that release its potent, health-promoting compounds.
The bottom line is that garlic is a powerful and versatile ingredient that can help support your overall health and well-being. While its pungent odor can be a deterrent for some, the simple solution of enjoying apples, lettuce, and mint leaves after your meal can help eliminate these concerns and leave you free to savor every garlicky bite.
