Genetics may influence the way one tastes food: Study

As per a new study that was scheduled to be presented at the ongoing AmericanHeart Association’s Scientific Sessions at Philadelphia, a specific gene in the human body is responsible for making a few food ingredients taste very bitter, thereby making it hard for some to add healthy veggies good for the heart to their daily diet.

The research notes that everyone inherits two copies of a taste gene coded as ‘TAS2R38’. While those who inherit two copies of the gene variant are able to withstand bitter taste that comes with certain ingredients or vegetables, those with only one copy of the prescribed taste gene and another alternate gene copy perceive bitter taste more. On the other hand, those individuals with both copies of the alternate gene will find the said foods exceptionally better.

The study was conducted with over 175 people (with an average age of 52, and over 70 per cent participants were female) taking part in it. The participants had filled out food-related questionnaires, which were analysed by the researchers. The study, however, found that bitter-tasting ability did not have an effect on how much sugar, salt or fat consumed.