How Science Explains Bizarre Food Phenomena

Have you ever been in conversation with someone who believed cilantro had the taste of soap? It could only have been an exaggeration, right? What about the many unfortunate times you brushed your teeth only to have that freshly squeezed orange juice taste like metal?

Luckily, there is a substantial amount of science behind these commonly held sensations according to certain reputable dieticians and nutritionists.

Soapy genetics

Also referred to as Chinese parsley or coriander, Cilantro represents a leafy green herb and vegetable. The seeds within are typically found in a wide range of Mexican and Indian cuisine, but despite the appreciation for this herb, there is almost an equal portion of people that detest it.

This disgust is the result of the communication between particular individuals’ olfactory receptor genes, specifically the variant OR6A2, and the typical chemicals found in cilantro. For them, they state that it leaves a soapy taste in the mouth and often smells quite pungent.

There are many who possess a high sensitivity to a group of chemicals known as aldehydes including n-aldehydes and (E)-2-alkenals which represent the direct culprits behind the unwanted taste.

Still, another cause surrounding the soapy texture includes the flavor and aroma compound known as S-linalool, which itself is a key component in the herb’s oils.

Well over 60% of existing hygiene and accented cleaning agents contain this compound, with many professionals using it in the preparation of mosquito repellants and other insecticides.

Many genetic testing sites now even provide the option of testing whether the person is genetically predisposed to hating cilantro.

Morning nausea

A significant number of polyphenols include tannins, flavanols, phenolic acids, catechins, and flavonoids. Thanks to its rich makeup of antioxidants and nutrients, green tea offers a sprawling number of meaningful health benefits.

However, it is not recommended for every person to drink it. For instance, many note experiencing severe gastrointestinal problems shortly after even a single cup. The greatest example of this includes nausea, especially when consumed prior to having breakfast.

“If green tea is brewed too strongly or consumed on an empty stomach, these tannins increase dramatically, which in turn, increases the amount of acid production in your stomach. This increase in excess acid can lead to digestive issues, including constipation, acid reflux, and nausea.”

– Dr. Jerry Bailey

To avoid such happenstance, steep or brew green tea in water whose temperature is limited to no higher than 180ºF, and only consume the tea during or after a meal.

Due to the increase in acid production, those with stomach ulcers, acid reflux, and other issues in their digestive system should avoid green tea. Before adding green tea to one’s diet at all, it pays to consult with a qualified medical provider that understands one’s body.

Gritty teeth

This bizarre yet commonly held phenomenon includes possessing a gritty, fuzzy, or chalky feeling inside of one’s mouth after having eaten raw or cooked spinach. When combined with yogurt, the effect may strengthen even more.

As unpleasant as the feeling may be, it is in fact considered a harmless side effect of consuming greens that are saturated in oxalic acid.

“When we chew spinach, the oxalic acid combines with calcium from the spinach and other foods in the mouth. The reaction between these two chemicals leads to the formation of calcium oxalate,”

- Dr. Jerry Bailey

The small crystals hum around the mouth and result in unwanted, sticky, and rough texture in the teeth. This sensation is more common when eating spinach due to the particular vegetable’s high concentration of a natural compound known as oxalic acid.

This compound is often familiar with individuals that have kidney stones as it is the most common compound. As such, dieticians tend to advise those most susceptible to develop kidney stones to limit foods high in oxalic acid.

Removal of the calcium is simple, however, and medical professionals recommend steaming or boiling spinach or squeezing lemon juice in the fresh leaves. Absorbic acids like vitamin C found in lemon juice help to dissolve the acid.

Mixing OJ and Toothpaste

Consumption of orange juice after brushing one’s teeth often results in an extremely bitter flavor, the byproduct of a common ingredient that strips human skin of natural oils known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SFS).

This compound is basically soap, though its scientific name is referred to as a surfactant. Aside from toothpaste, it is found in a wide gamut of household products such as bubble baths, shaving cream, and lip balm to name several. Furthermore, it is singlehandedly responsible for developing the foam that appears when brushing teeth.

In addition to suppressing the taste buds’ sweet receptors, it breaks down agents the agents blocking the tongue’s bitter receptors. This is the reason why the sweetness is nullified from orange juice, leaving nothing to sense but the citric acid and bitterness.

Fortunately, there are many kinds of toothpaste that are manufactured without SLS as an ingredient. Or, you could always just drink your juice before brushing your teeth. It’s in the best interest of anyone, however, as SLS has been found linked to skin irritation and sensitivity with those suffering from perioral dermatitis, to name an example.

Salty and swollen lips

After consumption of very salty food, it's not atypical to notice a white ring on the inner parts of one’s leaps including a general feeling of fullness. This may occur hours after consuming salted peanuts of sunflower seeds.

Despite the fact that much swelling is accompanied by other systemic or local reactions that often point to something more serious like allergies, swelling is almost never a cause of great concern.

“The increase in salt consumption from foods like salted popcorn, sunflower seeds, chips, or other high salt-containing processed foods causes the body to retain fluid, which may also cause swelling in the eyelids and the lips. This can give you that morning puffiness look, swollen and often described as ‘allergy face.’”

– Dr. Jerry Bailey

To reduce or entirely eliminate such an effect, medical professionals have suggested staying away from saltier foods later in the evening. It also helps to eat dehydrated vegetable chips or unsalted popcorn.

Although a handful of sunflower seeds or popcorn don’t typically result in swollen lips, it tends to happen when the body is taking in excessive concentrations of salt.

When the body is too salty, it leads to retention of fluid which then causes swelling. The body requires a balance of water and sodium in the blood. Too much of one causes an imbalance in the other.

These are all the reasons why maintaining a healthy, balanced diet will provide the body with all the essential minerals necessary to maintain equilibrium.