Researchers have found that several sugar sensors present in the gut and pancreas are also present in the tongue's taste buds. This finding could help prevent overeating.
Scientists have discovered that having a sweet tooth may
reflect complex mechanisms which control the energy uptake of the body. Researchers
have found that several sugar sensors present in the gut and pancreas are also
present in the tongue's taste buds. This finding could help prevent overeating.
Researchers have discovered 2 detectors in the tongue which
help the body spot sweet food. One such sensor known as the KATP channel
monitors blood sugar levels (BSL) and when the BSL increases it triggers the release
of insulin. These KATP channels which are present in the tongue help to adjust
the sensitivity according to the metabolic needs. This sugar sensitivity could
be lowered after eating something sweet or heightened if the metabolism needs
more sugar.
Researcher Dr. Karen Yee said, "This knowledge may someday help us
understand how to limit over-consumption of sweet foods."
The study was conducted on mouse cells and was reported in the journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
Source-Medindia