Why We Wince at Sour Food: You're Unlikely to Guess the Real Reason

15.07.2024 12:32

When we eat something sour, it seems like our entire body reacts to the sour taste: our tongue burns, our body gets goosebumps, and our face wrinkles.

Today we invite you to learn something new, for example, why funny grimaces appear on the face due to sour taste.

The sour taste is caused by hydrogen ions that are released as a result of the combination of acids with saliva. The same “negative” reaction occurs when we taste something bitter or sour.

This strong rejection reaction occurs because many plants that have such tastes are poisonous, so the body is trying to protect you from harm.

In addition, acid is also found in spoiled fruits and dairy products - if you eat them, you must agree, nothing good will happen either, so we are warned about the possible consequences.

Fruits
Photo: © Belnovosti

Funny facial expressions when consuming sour drinks do not help us specifically, but rather “save” other people.

At least, that's how it was many years ago: when our ancient ancestors were foraging for food, a sudden grimace told their "brothers" that "tasting" should be abandoned.

In this way, ancient people avoided poisoning and the severe consequences it caused for their health.

Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources