• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

What mechanism makes people have "a taste" for different foods?

MichaelD

MichaelD

Lifer
Some people like very spicy/hot food. Others crave sweets; others, salty pretzels and chips. What mechanism in the human body does this?

For example: I like spicy food. But when I was younger, I couldn't STAND it. Back then, "mild" salsa was flaming hot. Now, "hot" is delicious! 😛

What does this? Why do you love certain foods, but I don't?
 
well, i think the reason you crave certain foods is because those foods have certain nutrients which your body lacks. so, when you would eat those foods, those nutrients would be replenished, and your brain would associate certain foods with certain nutrients (i'm unsure of the chemistry behind that). so, when your brain is lacking the nutrients, it tells you to eat foods that have them. kind of like when you get thirsty.

of course, i'm half-guessing, so i might be completely wrong.

EDIT: also, with the spicy/hot foods, the reason you may like them more now is because you have less taste buds, so the spicyness/hotness doesn't affect you as much, and you begin to taste the real *food* which you may like.
 
i think it's mostly habitual. you are slowly influence by what your family eats, what kind of food tht's usually sold etc.

i am very convinced that it's environment. when i came to canada i couldn't stand western food at all but now i love it, well except cheese. you see cheese is considered a delicacy but i hate it most of the time. and i'm sure most western people won't like at least half of authentic, un-americanized chinese food.
 
Originally posted by: wfbberzerker
well, i think the reason you crave certain foods is because those foods have certain nutrients which your body lacks. so, when you would eat those foods, those nutrients would be replenished, and your brain would associate certain foods with certain nutrients (i'm unsure of the chemistry behind that). so, when your brain is lacking the nutrients, it tells you to eat foods that have them. kind of like when you get thirsty.
Click to expand...
Would this account for the fact that I like hot sauce on my Burrito at Taco Bell?

 
Everyone's perception of the world is slightly different. Applies to taste too. Probably caused by both physiological and psychological things.

Josh
 
Some interesting ideas. My family never ate hot foods at all...well, I take that back. My Father loved to drown everything in Tabasco and crushed red pepper. However, Mom never cooked ANYTHING that was hot/spicy. *shrug* Let the conversations continue. 🙂
 
my mom never cooked anything with salt. so now i think things taste salty that have normal amounts.

the spicy thing comes from living in SA too long, though.
 
Originally posted by: ElFenix
my mom never cooked anything with salt. so now i think things taste salty that have normal amounts.

the spicy thing comes from living in SA too long, though.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I can't disagree w/you there. All the Mexican food places I go to...chips & salsa before the meal..you develop a taste...a CRAVING for it!! Must_make_nose_run! Must_make_tongue_burst_into_flames!!! hahah!!
 
Hot food isn't "HOT!" unless it takes your breath away and makes you gulp for air, then wheeze and cough up a lung. Also, if you don't have the screaming squirts the next morning, it wasn't hot.:Q
 
Originally posted by: dighn
i think it's mostly habitual. you are slowly influence by what your family eats, what kind of food tht's usually sold etc.

i am very convinced that it's environment. when i came to canada i couldn't stand western food at all but now i love it, well except cheese. you see cheese is considered a delicacy but i hate it most of the time. and i'm sure most western people won't like at least half of authentic, un-americanized chinese food.
Click to expand...

Holy bob. I thought I was the only person in the world who hates cheese.

I was at my favorite restaurant yesterday. "Favorite" is an understatement, I go there so often, the waitresses know my name and what I'm ordering before I do.

So I got "the usual" - A small hani, no cheese, no setup, with bacon.

I bite into it, and nearly choked - THERE WAS CHEESE ON IT.

::cue scary music::
::cute thunder crashing::
::Cue violins a la "Psycho"::
 
I love ketchup with my breakfast lunch and dinner.

I love it with eggs, bacon, whatevers. It's awesome. My GF on the other hand hates ketchup.
 
well, I know that people who have an affinity to hot foods is actually because the capscecins(sp?) in the pepper make the brain release endorphins to counteract the pain, which have a pleasing effect on the body...kinda like sex, except not as messy or as fun. If you get a hankering for hot foods, trying bedding someone down and see if the craving lessens. 😀 Actually, this is the new way to respond to the old excuse "I have a headache" 😀

I imagine other cravings are similar in their sparking of the pleasing chemicals in the brain.

As far as taste itself goes...I vaguely remember my bio teacher saying something about taste buds and smell, but I was too busy repressing endorphins surrounded by some of the finest girls in HS around me. *sigh* I ALMOST regret not paying attention 😀

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top