A new test has revealed that milk has the potential to diminish the concentrations of the chemicals that give garlic its long-lasting smell. So when, the tooth pastes fail, go for a glass of milk, instead.

A test was carried out by Food scientists at Ohio State University who concluded that a glass of milk was perhaps the best way to combat garlic's lingering odor.

Allyl methyl sulphide (AMS), is known to be one such compound that refuses to break down during digestion. This compound then makes its way out through breath and sweat. The test also established that 200ml of milk lessened the presence of AMS on the breath by 50%.

The test was conducted with raw and cooked cloves and found that milk containing fat was rather more effective than skimmed milk. And for best results, it was advised that milk should be taken with meals and not later on.

"Garlic has been used in medicine for thousands of years. It is also an excellent source of magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and selenium”, said Professor Sheryl Barringer, who carried out the study.

Garlic is said to lower blood pressure and cholesterol together with lessening the risk of cancer. But it generally left people with an odor that tends to last several hours or even a day.