Onion and garlic are delicious ingredients that can enhance almost any recipe. However, there are those who prefer to avoid them because of the strong breath they leave behind. With these tips you can eat them without worrying about bad mouth odours, and thus obtain all the benefits that both foods have for your health.
In medical terms, bad breath is called halitosis. Although in 90% of cases it originates in the mouth, in 8% it is linked to pathologies of the throat, nose and digestive problems. If your problem is very persistent, you should consult your doctor.
Properties of garlic and onion
Onion
The onion is recognized for its diuretic action. This property, added to its high water and fiber content, makes it essential in any diet. In addition, it is a powerful cardiovascular protector. It is also purifying, since it is capable of eliminating toxins and ferments that are produced in the stomach after digestion. At the same time, it stimulates the liver, pancreas and gallbladder.
Garlic
Garlic is microbicide, disinfectant and decongestant. In addition, it is effective for gastric secretion and is rich in iron. It also helps treat circulatory problems. These properties make it a food with great benefits for different organs of the body, such as the kidneys, the bladder and the liver. It also benefits the health of the circulatory system as a whole.
To remove bad breath
Coffee grains
Despite their strong bitter taste, they are excellent for quickly removing bad odors from the mouth. This is because they are capable of inhibiting the bacteria that cause bad breath, as discovered by a group of scientists from Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Dairy products
Researchers at The Ohio State University conducted a study, published in the Journal of Food Science, which revealed that milk reduces the concentration of the chemicals in garlic that make its smell so strong.
Research has shown that drinking beverages or eating foods that are high in water or fat, such as milk, can reduce the unpleasant breath left behind by eating garlic. To accentuate the deodorant effect, foods should be mixed with garlic before eating. Due to its fat content, whole milk is more effective than skim milk.
Yogurt also helps decrease the amount of hydrogen sulfide present in the mouth. Another dairy product that eliminates bad odors is cheese, especially Cheddar. Its high fat content combats food acids and balances the pH.
Apple, carrot and pear
These foods are rich in fiber. By chewing them, saliva is produced and the teeth are cleaned. Thus, the strong smell that garlic and onion leave in the mouth is eliminated.
Aromatic herbs
Parsley is very effective in controlling the amount of bacteria present in the mouth and eliminating bad breath. To take advantage of its benefits, chew a sprig of this herb for a few minutes.
Clove is also very effective. Chew one after eating garlic or onion and let its natural oil remove the bad smell. Another option is to crush three or four and boil them in a cup of water. When it is ready, strain it and gargle.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon sticks absorb the sulfuric flavor of onion and garlic, and can be kept in the mouth until bad breath is completely gone. In addition, they have bactericidal properties that help keep the mouth clean.
If you don’t want to put the twigs directly in your mouth, you can boil them and drink them as an infusion.
green tea and mint tea
According to a study by the Israel Institute of Technology published in the journal Archives of Oral Biology, the high content of polyphenols in green tea helps fight bad breath. In addition, it is one of the healthiest drinks on the planet due to its high content of antioxidants and other beneficial substances for health.
Preparing an infusion of mint leaves will also give freshness to your mouth. In addition, it will help you improve digestion.
Water
Drinking plenty of water is one of the fundamental keys to preventing bad breath. This is because bad mouth odors are also related to dry mouth.
Important: It should be clarified that The Bioguide does not give medical advice or prescribe the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical or mental problems without the advice of a doctor, either directly or indirectly. In the case of applying any information on this site for this purpose, La Bioguía does not assume responsibility for these acts. The site is intended only to provide information of a general nature to aid in the pursuit of personal growth and development.