No one ever enjoys a mosquito encounter. But keeping mosquitoes away isn't just about applying a repellent on your skin. It is also a lot about what you put in your body. Turns out that you can do at least a little to eat your way to a less itchy life. Wonder how is it even possible?  Here is a list of foods with bug-repelling properties that will make you far less attractive to mosquitoes who crash at your garden. Make note!

Garlic

According to a study published in the journal Scientific Reports, garlic has repellent power that keeps mosquitoes at bay. The active compound allicin repels mosquitoes and to keep allicin intact, you must eat it as raw as possible. So simply crush some garlic and eat. If you do not like the taste, you can top your bruschetta with some chopped garlic or just eat some garlic chutney with your chapati.

Onion

Like garlic, onions also contain high traces of insect-repelling allicin. Just like garlic, the effects of allicin are thought to be most effective when onions are eaten raw. Leeks, chives, and shallots can also have similar mosquito-repelling effects. Mosquito Repellents: 8 Natural Kitchen Ingredients to Drive Out the Blood-Sucking Insects and Prevent Dengue, Malaria. 

Lemongrass

Citronella is a mosquito repellent and lemongrass is the greatest food sources of citronella. A number of anecdotal reports suggest that infusing lemongrass in your tea or adding it to your curry can help repel the mosquitoes. Dengue Fever Prevention: Apply These 6 Oils on Your Skin to Drive Mosquitoes Away

Chilli

Those eye-watering chili peppers and other hot spices can have an added benefit as a mosquito repellent. The capsaicin in peppers causes your skin to emit a smell that insects can't stand. So don't hesitate to spray a lot of peppers on your pizza.

Tomatoes

If you love tomatoes, you are in luck. Tomatoes are an excellent source of thiamine which help keep mosquitoes at bay. Not only will a diet rich in tomatoes make you less attractive to mosquitoes, but rubbing tomato juice on a bug bite can help reduce pain and itchiness. Places in Your House Where Mosquitoes Love to Hide. 

Grapefruit

Grapefruit contains the compound nootkatone which has been found to repel not only mosquitoes but also ticks. While experts are not sure how much grapefruit you need to repel mosquitoes, it can be a delicious addition to your breakfast or dessert. For added mosquito-fighting benefits, you can also apply some grapefruit essential oil on your skin.

A study published in the Journal of American Control Mosquito Association suggested that mosquitoes are way more attracted to you when you down some beer and they are less likely to come near you when you haven't consumed any alcohol. Mosquitoes are also far more likely to bite you when you have a strong amount of lactic acid which shows up on your sweat. So no matter what you eat, try to keep yourself cool to avoid any itch.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2019 11:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).