The reason for the smell disorder, which is known as parosmia and seen in some patients who had Covid-19, was found. Scientists explained that the reason (and possibly their taste) of some foods and drinks that smell disgusting to people with parosmia is the molecule “2-furanmethanethiol”.
Scientists from Reading University Taste Center in England announced that 2-furanmethanethiol is the molecule that can be seen after Covid-19 syndrome, causing odors to be perceived differently (parosmia). It has been stated that 2-furanmethanethiol, a very strong odor molecule, also found in coffee, triggers the feeling of disgust in those with parosmia.
COFFEE SMELL LIKE BURNED WASTE
The research team tested hundreds of flavor compounds on 29 volunteers, trapping the aroma of coffee. It was determined that 15 compounds were the compounds that triggered parosmia. Stating that the central nervous system also plays a role in interpreting the signals it receives from the nose, the researchers stated that the foods and beverages that trigger parosmia the most are coffee, onion, garlic, chicken and green pepper.
During the pandemic, Covid-19 symptoms included loss of smell and taste in 50-60 percent of cases, and parosmia developed in about 10 percent of them. It is stated that 2 million people in Europe have parosmia. Those with parosmia may experience the most offensive odors differently, for example, by describing the odor of stool as ‘less offensive or biscuit-like’.