6 foods that help prevent body odour during summer

With all things good that summer brings with it, one of the most irking and annoying effects it has on the human body is sweating and body odour. While sweat itself is odourless, when the bacteria on the skin mix with it, it creates an odour that is so pungent and unique that it might cause people to stay away from each other and be conscious of how they are smelling all the time. Isn't that why perfume and deodorant brands up their advertising during the season? While picking up the strongest and best-smelling bottle of fragrance might be your idea of getting rid of body odour, there exist easier ways like eating certain foods that can protect your skin from the odour and the harm it may have due to fragrances. Find 6 foods that will prevent body odour during summer.

Citrus fruits


Oranges and grapefruits are some citrus fruits rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They help in the detoxification and smell reduction in the body, thus reducing odorous compounds. Regular intake of these also maintains the flow of fluids from the body, thus keeping it fresh.

Green tea


Green tea contains polyphenolic compounds such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) and epicatechin gallate (ECg) which are known to prevent the growth of a wide range of bacterial species. Not only does it control oral odour but it also reduces odour-causing compounds. Additionally, it may help block pores, thus reducing sweating and the moisture for the bacteria to thrive.

Nuts and seeds
When dealing with body odour in the summer, ensure your zinc intake is regular. Zinc deficiency can elevate body odour, whereas an ample amount of zinc oxide within the body is known to inhibit odour, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine. Include zinc in your daily diet by eating a handful of nuts and seeds every day.

Green-leafy vegetables
Leafy greens such as spinach, kale and lettuce are rich in chlorophyll, which naturally reduces the odour-causing compounds in the body. A recent study of people with trimethylaminuria, a condition that causes fishy odour, revealed that regular intake of chlorophyllin improves the body odour of individuals with the condition.

Probiotic foods
Fermented and probiotic foods such as yogurt, buttermilk, kimchi and more aid in digestion in the body and improve gut health. They reduce the growth of odour-causing bacteria in the skin, leading to lower body odour.

Cardamom


Cardamom is rich in polyphenolic compounds such as quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin and pelargonidin which all have antioxidant properties. It is also able to regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can influence sweating and by managing its levels, the amount of sweat produced can be reduced.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article—including the discussion of foods that may help minimise body odour in summer—is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.