There are as many body odors as there are people. Pleasant for some, unpleasant for others, smells can be perceived in different ways and thus come into play in social relationships as well as in sexuality. Produced by certain glands in the skin, this body odor is determined by several factors, such as genetics, hormonal cycle, lifestyle or even medication. But that's not all: what we put on our plate also has a role to play!
Bad body odor: what is the role of food?
Some foods can change the smell of sweat, breath or urine. Among them are asparagus. In question ? They contain asparagusic acid, which is then broken down into organic compounds containing sulfur. An unpleasant sulfur odor may then emerge from the urine.
More surprisingly: the tomato could be one of the foods responsible for bad body odor! A study published in 2014 in the journal Medical Hypotheses reveals that terpene-rich foods could cause unpleasant armpit odors. However, tomatoes are very rich in lycopene, a pigment belonging to the terpene family! "Considering the amounts consumed, tomatoes are likely to be the main source of food terpenes, and therefore armpit odors", indicate this research.
The smell, a question of perception?
Known for its particularly strong smell, garlic is known to cause bad breath. However, a study published in 2015 in the journal Appetite suggests the scent of garlic might be appealing. To find out, the researchers separated 42 male volunteers into two groups: those in the first were to consume garlic and the other not. Their scents were then collected and submitted to 82 women. As a result, the scent of men who consumed garlic was found to be more attractive. According to researchers, this interest in body odor caused by garlic may be due to the health benefits of this food known for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Proof that everything is a question of perception!
⋙ Discover other foods that can cause unpleasant body odors
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⋙ 5 beauty tips to get rid of body odor