Table of contents:
- The taste for taste is caused by genetic factors
- Why don't many people like bitter food?
- Genetic factors like this salt taste can have a negative impact on health
- What is the limit for salt consumption in one day?
Are you one of those people who likes salty or savory taste? Some people like it salty, some people tend to like it sweet or sour. This is indeed influenced by the tastes of each individual. But did you know that it turns out that the choice of taste and taste of food is influenced by genetics? Those of you who like salty and savory taste actually have different genes from other individuals.
The taste for taste is caused by genetic factors
If you are a person who likes salty or savory tastes, maybe your genes could be one of the causes. This statement comes from a study conducted by the American Heart Association in 2016. This study noted the dietary habits of 407 respondents who were at risk for developing heart and blood vessel disease. Not only did they record and pay attention to their diet, respondents were also asked to do a DNA test.
In the final results of the study, it is known that there are genetic differences, namely the TAS2R38 gene which affects the choice of taste and appetite for food. So that some of the total respondents consumed salt (from salty foods) 1.9 times more than the group without genetic disorders.
Why don't many people like bitter food?
Many people avoid foods that have a bitter taste. However, in people who have the TAS2R38 gene, they have more ability to detect and taste bitter tastes in a food. Thus, foods that are not bitter in normal people (without the gene) will still taste bitter in their mouths, such as broccoli and some vegetables.
This more ability to taste bitter tastes actually makes them more likely to choose foods with a strong salty taste. This causes them to often add salt to their food to mask the bitter taste that may arise from the food they eat.
Genetic factors like this salt taste can have a negative impact on health
Genes that affect the taste of food will not have a direct impact on health. However, these genes will influence a person's food choices and change their diet. People who have the TAS2R38 gene, who tend to choose foods with a salty taste, are at risk for coronary heart disease, kidney failure, stroke and heart attack.
Not only that, even in several studies it has been proven that people who like salty taste will automatically add salt to their cooking. Meanwhile, too much salt contains sodium which is very dangerous if too much is consumed.
In these studies, consuming too much sodium can also cause a person's cognitive abilities to decrease, reduce bone density, increase the risk of stomach cancer, and interfere with kidney function.
What is the limit for salt consumption in one day?
The American Heart Association recommends not consuming more than 2,300 mg of sodium (which is obtained from salt) a day. But it's even better if you can consume only 1,500 mg of sodium per day. A quarter teaspoon of salt contains about 600 mg of sodium. so to reduce sodium in the foods you eat, you must reduce your consumption of excess salty foods.
In addition, sodium is not only found in salt, but also in packaged foods or drinks. You must pay attention to this, otherwise the risk you have for developing heart disease is getting bigger.
