Life

Eating More Of This Makes Your Sweat Attractive

by Lily Feinn

If you want a successful smooch, you've probably been told to stay away from garlic and raw onions on a date — but what if we were wrong about these pungent treats? A new study has found, while still not the best thing for your breath, garlic actually makes your body odor more attractive. And smell can be a big deal when it comes to choosing a partner.

In the world’s grossest study, 42 male “odor donors” (OMG) were “allocated to either a “garlic” or “non-garlic” condition. Those consuming the garlic ate it in either raw or pill form. They then were asked to wear odor-collecting pads on their armpits for 12 hours (Blech!). One week later, the garlic and non-garlic groups were reversed and the study repeated. After which, 82 lucky women were asked to smell the B.O.-full pads in jars and evaluate them based on “pleasantness, attractiveness, masculinity and intensity.” The smell of the males who ate the garlic in either form were judged to be notably more attractive, less intense, and even pleasant (Gah!). The study was published in the science journal "Appetite", by researchers from the University of Stirling in the UK and Charles University in Prague.

They hypothesize that the positive effects of garlic on body-odor could be due to the healthful properties inherent in the bulb. Garlic is well known for its antioxidant properties, and can even help treat the common cold. Garlic has been prescribed to treat a variety of ailments since the Hippocrates and the Ancient Greeks, and also has antimicrobial properties that can help fight fungi, parasites, and bacteria. So, what's not to like?

If you're doubting just how important the link between smell and sexual attraction is, studies show that if a certain body odor is pleasing to you, it could be genetic. A person with an attractive body odor might be a good match for reproduction, and the nose knows it! People do all sorts of things to augment their natural smell and make themselves more attractive. Eating garlic is a tasty way to get a leg up on the competition!

So put down that Speed Stick and order the garlic bread if you wanna get busy tonight!

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