While we all have our natural smell, the food we eat impacts our sense of smell, whether we realize it or not. Just as there are certain ingredients that make us stink (ie cabbage, broccoli, and other sulfur-containing vegetables), there are other foods that can make you smell amazing and increase your attractiveness. The phrase “you are what you eat” has never been so true: here are the best foods for your body to smell good and provide you with a natural perfume.
1. citrus
Citrus fruits work as a kind of odor remover when we consume them. It has a fresh, invigorating aroma, and if you eat oranges, grapefruit, pineapples, or strawberries, you will adopt that aroma. If you’re not a fan of these fruits, consider squeezing some lime or lemon into your drink.
2. Jasmine tea
While jasmine has a particularly seductive scent, all herbal teas help flush toxins out of your system, thereby enhancing your natural scent. Jasmine tea does this in addition to calming the digestive system. After all, who doesn’t want to smell like fresh jasmine?
3. Apples
Apples eliminate odor in several ways. While they act as a natural detergent, chewing on an apple also washes plaque off your teeth, as well as stuck-on food matter that can lurk in your mouth and cause bacteria and unpleasant odor.
4. Yogurt
From the gut to the skin, yogurt has many benefits. Its natural probiotics can also help fight body odor and neutralize it, so feel free to try your parfait. Just don’t add too much sugar.
5. Apple cider vinegar
If you have smelly feet, ACV is your best bet. While it acts as an antibacterial bath, it also has the same cleansing effects when consumed. It also dries up excess sweat and is an inexpensive way to keep your system balanced. Always dilute in water so that it is not too acidic.
6. celery
This underrated vegetable is packed with fiber and calorie-burning potential. Most importantly, celery stalks are full of androstenol and androstenone, which are odorous molecules. As soon as they are released into your mouth, these pheromones increase arousal in your own body, causing it to send out signals and scents that make you more attractive to potential mates.
7. White fish
While this may not give you an irresistibly sexy scent, it will neutralize bad odors, especially if you’re a carnivore who tends to eat too much red meat. Unlike a hamburger or steak, when our body metabolizes fish, it does not give off unpleasant odors. White fish includes halibut, haddock, tilapia, or cod.
8. Water
This isn’t technically a food, but dehydration is a common reason for foul odor in people. Water helps our bodies cleanse and eliminate odor-causing factors. If you absolutely hate drinking plain water, add a slice of citrus and eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water.
9. Fresh herbs
Basil, mint, rosemary and other herbs can destroy order with their aromatic and botanical nature. Thanks to the essential oils of these herbs, it acts like a mouthwash, masking the odors of anything garlicky or strong that you might not want lingering in your mouth. Consider adding some mint or basil to your dessert.
10. Truffles
Like celery, androstenol is abundant in truffles, and while truffles are too expensive for many to incorporate into their diet, truffle oil is more affordable and contains the same amount of pheromones. While 25% of the population cannot smell these pheromones, the rest will love the musky scent.
11. Fenugreek Seeds
Often ground and added to curries, fenugreek helps flush toxins from the body due to its high antioxidant content. They can also accompany a salad. Fenugreek seeds also improve digestion and help naturally eliminate foul odors. If you love cooking Indian food, this should be easy to incorporate! Fennel seeds are equally effective.
12. Kombucha
If you’re not a fan of yogurt but still want your daily dose of healthy microbes, consider this fermented drink, which reduces the chance of bad breath and keeps your digestive system happy. Since store-bought kombucha can be expensive, you can even experiment with making your own homemade version at home.
13. Ginger
Ginger can definitely smell powerful, but don’t worry, adding a little to your drinks and food won’t make you smell like ginger. Instead, it will eliminate any other unpleasant odors: a lemon and ginger tea will have particularly detoxifying properties that fight bad odors. If gas is your odor problem, a few slices of ginger can help cure stomach problems.
14. Coconut oil
Poor digestion can be one of the main causes of body odor. It can affect your smell. And while we’ve included many foods that can promote better digestion, it’s helpful to know of a cooking oil that can also neutralize odor. Coconut oil is incredibly versatile and just a tablespoon in your meals can help enhance that stinky scent.