They've already put a man on the moon but scientists have yet to conquer one of life's biggest challenges - neutralising your breath after you've had a bit too much garlic. But there is some good news for lovers of the pungent plant, not to mention those who are missing out on garlic's many health benefits because of its anti-social after effects.
Flickr, AMagill
Milk keeps breath fresh
According to scientists from Ohio State University, drinking milk significantly reduces that familiar - some might say rancid - garlic smell on your breath. Their study, which appears in the Journal of Food Science, suggests it's the water and fat in milk that delivers the breath deodorising effect (so full fat works much better than semi-skimmed or skimmed).
Unfortunately, however, the most effective way to combat garlic breath is to sip milk while you eat, not after you've finished your meal. So unless drinking milk in restaurants suddenly becomes cool, you could get more than a few odd glances from your fellow diners.
Grown-up alternatives
If you don't want to ruin your reputation by looking like a six-year-old, you could try a dairy-based cocktail such as a White Russian (vodka, Kahula and cream), a Grasshopper (green creme de menthe, white creme de cacao and cream) or an old-fashioned Egg Nog instead. There again, we can't guarantee they'll work - but it could be fun trying them out.
Do you avoid eating garlic because of the stinky breath issue? We'd really love to know.