Are coffee-loving people lying to themselves?

Why coffee-loving Might Like Bitter Coffee, According to Science

Are you a fan of bitter coffee or alcoholic drinks? If so, you’re not alone. Scientists who spent years studying the human genome believe you’re lying and give another reason you might be attracted to acquired tastes.

 

Some coffee-loving are unable to have a cup of coffee to start their day, and others prefer to drink cold beer to end it. Others are attached to their sweet drinks bottles all day long like an oxygen balloon.

Many people are drawn to the acquired tastes of these beverages. But why? Scientists have spent years studying the human genome and believe they have an answer. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind why some people might be attracted to bitter coffee and alcoholic drinks.

Why is it that people who are addicted don’t understand why bitter tastes are so appealing to them and believe they can work for everyone?

What the Science Tells Us

You will likely think it is genetic changes in taste. This is what Dr. Marilyn Cornelis, a nutritionist, thought. She decided to dig deeper into the matter and learn more about the mechanism behind the differences between us.

But, as she began to explore the root causes of this variation and tried to identify the genetic change that influences our preference for sweet or bitter taste, she discovered that it was probably more complicated than she had thought.

The research by Dr. Cornelis was published in Human Molecular Genetics. It involved the analysis of data from more than 330,000 people in Great Britain’s biometric database. The database includes genetic samples from the citizens of the country and extensive questionnaires about their lifestyles.

The scientists split the participants into two groups: those who reported a higher intake of bitter drinks like alcohol, grapefruit juice or coffee, and those who preferred sweeter drinks throughout the day. The researchers later looked at the DNA changes of the two groups to see if they could explain the difference. Surprisingly, these changes did not reflect in differences in taste buds. Instead, they affected the receptors that react to the psychoactive ingredients in these drinks.

Personal Preference or Genetics?

Have you ever wondered why you like bitter coffee or alcoholic drinks? It turns out that it may not be just a matter of personal preference. Scientists have studied the human genome to discover why we are attracted to acquired tastes.

It all starts with our individual genetic makeup. Depending on our genes, we may be predisposed to like certain tastes and flavors. This is because certain genes can make us more sensitive or less sensitive to certain tastes. For example, people with a certain gene variant may have an increased sensitivity to bitter flavors, making them more likely to prefer bitter coffee.

Our environment also plays an important role in our food preferences. We may be exposed to different flavors through our family, culture, and geography. As we grow up, we begin to associate certain flavors with positive experiences and become more likely to enjoy those flavors in the future.

 

 

It’s not about the taste. It’s about the feeling.

In addition, there are neurological factors at play as well. Neurochemicals like dopamine, which is associated with reward and pleasure, can influence how much we enjoy particular tastes. When we eat or drink something we like, our bodies release dopamine and other neurotransmitters that give us a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure. This can make us more likely to seek out those tastes again in the future.

As we all know, bitter drinks like alcohol and coffee can affect our consciousness. Coffee stimulates and improves concentration. However, alcohol does the opposite. It induces calmness and enhances the enjoyment of some things or, in simpler terms, it helps us “get our heads”. Some people are more sensitive, more responsive to these changes and require them more. Others don’t need them as much.

Dr. Cornelis stated in a press release that “people like the way alcohol or coffee makes them feel.” “They drink them because they like the taste, not because they are tasty.” She believes that if people enjoy certain drinks more than others, it could be due to changes in their taste. The genetic differences are as described in the receptors of these psychoactive substances.

 

The mystery gene that lowers diabetes risk

The research that revealed a fondness for bitter beverages made waves around the globe, but the surprising conclusion regarding a residual love for sweet drinks was also very intriguing. Researchers discovered that FTO, a particular variant of a gene, is extremely common in people who drink a lot of sugary beverages throughout the day. Surprisingly the gene in question was linked previously to a lower chance of developing diabetes or obesity.

Dr. Cornelis admits that “these findings seem to be counterintuitive.” “FTO remains a mystery gene for us, and we haven’t been able yet to explain how it affects obesity. Although we know it has a role to play in our behavior and weight management, more research is needed to determine how.

Future research on this gene may help us understand why some people are able to lose weight more easily than others. We might even be able to develop better treatments to combat the obesity epidemic.

Overall, it’s clear that there is a complex combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors that influence why we like certain things. By understanding the science behind taste preferences, we can better appreciate the diversity of our individual palates.