I found it incredibly fascinating to learn that babies have taste buds not only on their tongue, but on the sides and roof of their mouths as well. This is why children can be so sensitive to strongly flavored foods. However, as we age, the taste buds disappear from these areas and we're able to better enjoy foods we hadn't enjoyed in the past. As we get older our taste buds even begin to lose sensitivity and stronger foods may be better appreciated.
It's also important to note that smoking, drugs and a number of medical conditions can impair our sense of taste. If you've been smoking for 20 years, chances are your sense of taste is greatly impaired. Last, but not least, those that consume sugary beverages may not notice the high levels of sodium in their foods. For example, I gave up soda a year ago and have noticed that many of the foods I loved are simply too salty for me to enjoy now.
How have your taste buds changed over the years? Are there foods you used to love, but can't stand now? What about foods you detested as a child? Do you like any of those foods now?
Photo by Tomaz1111
I am 60 years old. As a child, I hated onions. As a teenager, after slicing onions, I went nuts because I couldn't get the smell off my hands. Now I love onions and don't care if my hands smell like that. Did my taste buds change? Not sure. did my TASTES change? yes.
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