Ologies with Alie Ward – Gustology (TASTE) with Gary Beauchamp

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” Alie Ward explores the fascinating world of gustology, the study of taste, with renowned gustologist Dr. Gary Beauchamp. They delve into various topics, including hot wings, Umami, sugar, salt restrictions, and artificial sweeteners. They also discuss the importance of taste and smell in animals and humans, as well as the impact of taste on our daily lives and food choices.

Main Takeaways

Understanding Taste and Smell in Animals

• Animals live in their own sensory world, with some being more similar to each other and some being more different.
• The sense of taste and smell is crucial for animals to find food and reproduce.
• Cats and other obligate carnivores have no interest in sugar or anything sweet, as they lack the enzymes to break down carbs.
• Dogs prefer natural sugars, while cats do not respond to them.
• Dogs and cats have different taste receptors for meat.

The Science of Taste

• Taste buds respond to sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors.
• There is limited evidence to support the claim that older people don’t respond well to tastes.
• People’s preference for sweet or salty flavors can be influenced by their eating habits and lifetime exposure.
• Studies show that people can acclimate to a low salt diet, but the effects may vary.
• Exploratory studies conducted in the early 1900s found that Inuit populations had a diet primarily based on meat and fish.

The Controversy Surrounding Sweeteners

• Non-nutritive sweeteners, such as aspartame, have been associated with various health risks, but the evidence is controversial.
• Studies on the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on hunger and calorie intake yield conflicting results.
• Aspartame use has been linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• There is limited evidence that aspartame may cause cancer in humans, but potential health risks have been examined and dismissed by some sources.
• The long-term effects of a no sugar diet on the brain are still not fully understood, and more research is needed.

The Importance of Smell in Taste

• Approximately 80% of taste is believed to be influenced by smell, although this has been contested by some scientists.
• COVID-19 can cause a temporary loss of smell and taste, which was used as a diagnostic indicator for the virus.
• Loss of smell and taste can be distressing, especially when it occurs suddenly and persists.
• The severity of COVID-19 infection correlates with the extent of taste and smell loss.
• Overall, about 70% of people recover their smell and taste after experiencing COVID-19, while approximately 3% do not.

Summary

Understanding Taste and Smell in Animals

Animals have their own unique sensory world, with some species being more similar to each other in terms of taste preferences. For example, obligate carnivores like cats have no interest in sugar or anything sweet due to their lack of enzymes to break down carbohydrates. On the other hand, dogs have not lost their ability to taste sweet and prefer natural sugars. Dogs and cats also have different taste receptors for meat, reflecting their distinct dietary needs. Studying taste and smell in animals can provide insights into their behavior and environmental interactions.

The Science of Taste

Taste buds play a crucial role in our perception of flavors, responding to sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami tastes. Contrary to popular belief, there is limited evidence to support the claim that older people don’t respond well to tastes. While older adults may perceive taste intensity differently, their ability to savor and chew sufficiently during eating optimizes their perceived salty taste. Additionally, studies have shown that people’s preference for sweet or salty flavors is influenced by their eating habits and lifetime exposure. Acclimating to a low salt diet is possible, but individual responses may vary. Early exploratory studies on Inuit populations revealed their predominantly meat and fish-based diet, challenging conventional dietary norms.

The Controversy Surrounding Sweeteners

Non-nutritive sweeteners, such as aspartame, have been a subject of controversy due to their potential health risks. While studies on the effects of non-nutritive sweeteners on hunger and calorie intake yield conflicting results, aspartame use has been associated with increased risks of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the evidence regarding the carcinogenic effects of aspartame in humans is limited, and some sources have dismissed potential health risks. The long-term effects of a no sugar diet on the brain are still not fully understood, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.

The Importance of Smell in Taste

Smell plays a significant role in our perception of taste, with approximately 80% of taste believed to be influenced by smell. The loss of smell and taste is a common symptom of COVID-19 and served as a diagnostic indicator for the virus. While most people recover their smell and taste after experiencing COVID-19, some individuals may not fully regain these senses. The severity of COVID-19 infection correlates with the extent of taste and smell loss. Understanding the mechanisms behind smell loss during COVID-19 can contribute to improved diagnostics and potential treatments.

Conclusion

Taste and smell are often overlooked senses, but they play a significant role in our daily lives and food choices. Animals have their own unique sensory preferences, and studying taste and smell in different species can provide valuable insights into their behavior and interactions with the environment. The controversy surrounding sweeteners highlights the need for further research to understand their potential health risks and effects on appetite. Additionally, the importance of smell in taste is evident in the context of COVID-19, where loss of smell and taste can be distressing and serve as diagnostic indicators. Overall, taste and smell are fascinating areas of study that continue to uncover new insights into our sensory experiences.