Garlic is a very good spice for cooking and medicine with a
lingering and unpleasant smell which puts a lot of people off from using it. This
smell is due to an active compound called allyl methyl sulphide which is not
digested by the body, but is rather ingested into the bloodstream and is
released from the body through breathing, sweating, farting and belching.
Despite the smell, a lot of people still use garlic and have
to carry
this smell, which can make people avoid them, around for up to 24 hours afterwards. However, there are foods and drinks which can help to remove this smell.
Eat fruits, vegetables and other foods that
contain polyphenols which break down the sulphur compounds of garlic that cause
the smell. Apart from removing the smell of garlic, polyphenols are also
antioxidants which can help to ward off diseases, so they will increase the potency
of garlic. Here are some foods that are high in phenolic compounds that can
also remove garlic smell when eaten with garlic.
- Fruits; apples, grapes, pears,
- Vegetables; spinach, potatoes, lettuce, parsley,
- Beverages; green tea, red wine, mint tea.
- Spices; fennel, cloves, cardamom, fresh mint leaves.
Citrus fruit juices can also remove garlic smell
because of their acidity: Lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits.
The fats in milk or yoghurt kill the smell of
garlic, so drink some with garlic or after eating it.
Stainless steel removes the smell of garlic (and fish too).
Simply move a stainless steel teaspoon around your mouth. And if you are trying
to rid your hands of the smell, rub them on your stainless steel basins, pots
and sinks. A great way to deal with garlic smell is to drink some tea with
either milk or lemon juice.
Now that you know you can defeat the nasty smell of garlic,
use this wonderful spice for medicine and flavour.
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