According to an
article written for Live Science, some people may carry a gene that instead of a sweet tooth gives them a Salt tooth. During tests performed it was found that a gene called
TAS2R48 had a higher taste for salt and was more likely to make someone consume more salt daily. Those who did not have this gene were less likely to over consume sodium daily leading to a lower risk of heart disease. A theory along with the research is that TAS2R48 enhances bitterness; explaining why people expressing this gene seem to avoid green leafy foods. This leads people to lean towards salty less bitter foods increasing sodium intake and increasing risk of heart attack. The hope of researchers at the University of Kentucky college of Nursing is to identify which gene variant people have and hopefully be able to help them make better food choices seriously for them.
I think this research gives an amazing stride to the fight of obesity in America. With this research, people can find out why they crave some foods over other foods. Hopefully, with this knowledge people can become more aware if they are prone to a higher consumption of salty food and be more aware of diet that would be healthier for them.
