Why do you experience bad breath after eating garlic and onions?
Onions and garlic contain certain compounds that cause bad breath. Some of these compounds include:
- Allicin: A chemical reaction that converts allin to allicin occurs when a garlic bulb is exposed to air. Allicin undergoes more chemical changes to form several sulphur-containing compounds. These compounds are responsible for the bad breath.
- Cysteine sulfoxide: Cysteine Sulfoxide[6] is a sulfuric compound that causes bad breath immediately after eating onions or garlic.
- Allyl methyl sulfide: When you cut garlic or onions, a compound called allyl methyl sulfide is emitted. After consumption, this compound is absorbed into the blood, and released via the holes in your skin and your lungs.