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To distinguish the taste of food, the taste buds on our tongue are very useful to us. But did you know that they are also present in the heart and testicles? Doctissimo enlightens you.
Studies show that taste buds are present on other organs in our body. Elsewhere than on the tongue, these sensors are not used to taste, but play another role: that of capturing the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of our metabolism.
The role of the taste buds on the heart…
Research has demonstrated that the role of the taste buds is not limited to detecting flavors, but also intervenes in the digestive process, by evaluating the nutrients present in the gastrointestinal system. In the heart, taste buds also detect nutrients and can influence the strength of the beat. Which facilitates blood circulation and food absorption.
And the testicles!
And yes, the papillae are also present on the testicles and impact the development of sperm. Analyzes carried out on mice show that their alteration can reduce sperm volume.
But the role of these taste buds is even more important than we think. Their good or poor functioning has been shown to be associated with certain diseases, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and irritable bowel syndrome. Faulty regulation of these sensors can contribute to these pathologies.
Potential to fight chronic diseases
The discovery of the regulatory function of the taste buds in the body opens the way to new therapeutic approaches. By understanding more precisely how they work, these receptors could effectively combat chronic diseases and improve patients’ quality of life. These taste buds are therefore far from being a simple and intriguing biological curiosity!