Tag: Evolution of taste

For centuries, the human tongue was believed to perceive only five basic tastes: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. But a 2016 study published in the journal *Chemical Senses* uncovered evidence that humans can, in fact, taste starch, suggesting the existence of a sixth fundamental taste sensation. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about carbohydrate perception and adds a new layer to our understanding of human food intake.

According to the National Institutes of Health, humans have an innate preference for sweet tastes from birth, a biological trait rooted in evolutionary history. This deep-seated attraction is the result of a complex interplay between taste buds and the brain's reward system.

For millions of years, our ancestors craved sweet foods, a craving rooted in the biological need to find energy-rich sources. So, which is our natural sweet? This evolutionary preference led us to fruits, honey, and other whole foods packed with inherent sugars.