Health & Science: A fascinating new scientific study has confirmed that our daily diet profoundly affects not only our physical health but also our natural body odour. Certain foods have the power to make an individual’s natural scent more appealing and pleasant to others.
According to a BBC report, while every human has a unique smell influenced by genes, hormones, and hygiene, scientists assert that diet is the only factor we have complete control over. Professor Craig Roberts of the University of Stirling states that what we consume impacts our smell through the digestive system and the skin, with breath and sweat being the two main mediums through which body odour is expressed.
The Surprising Role of Garlic, Fruits, and Vegetables:
While substances like onion and garlic are commonly associated with bad breath, some research presents a contrasting view. A study by scientist Jan Havlicek at Charles University in the Czech Republic gave 42 men varying amounts of garlic. Subsequently, 82 women assessed their sweat samples for pleasantness and attractiveness. The results showed that the men who consumed the most garlic were rated as having the most attractive body odour.
Experts believe that the antioxidants and antibacterial properties in garlic improve overall body health, which in turn enhances the natural scent. Similarly, an Australian study from 2017 found that men who ate more fruits and vegetables had a sweeter and more pleasant body odour. Specifically, the scent of men with higher levels of carotenoids (found in carrots, pumpkin, and papaya) was preferred by women.
Foods to Moderate for Better Scent:
- Sulphur Compounds: Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and turnips contain sulfur compounds that are excreted through sweat, leading to a stronger body odour.
- Meat and Carbohydrates: A 2006 study indicated that men who abstained from meat for two weeks had a body odour that was more attractive and less intense compared to those who consumed red meat daily. Experts also suggested that high-carbohydrate diets result in less appealing body scent.
- Coffee and Fish: Caffeine can increase sweating, giving bacteria more opportunity to create odour. A compound called Trimethylamine, found in fish and pulses, can cause a distinct fishy odour in some individuals, particularly those with the rare condition Fish Odor Syndrome.
Interestingly, one study noted that fasting may slightly improve body odour. Women who fasted for 48 hours had sweat samples rated as more pleasant than others, though experts warned that prolonged fasting can lead to bad breath due to a slowed digestive system. Scientists conclude that fruits, vegetables, and garlic can enhance body odour, while substances like red meat, alcohol, and caffeine can have the opposite effect.
