Food Chemistry

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We all know about body chemistry, but what do we know about food chemistry. Ever wonder why you pucker when you eat a lemon or weep when you chop an onion? Food glorious food. We all love it. We all need it. It provides us with vital fuel to keep our engines going. Food is also delicious, and we cannot live without it.

Yet certain foods have very different effects on our bodies. Have you ever wondered why lemons have such a bitter taste or why onions bring tears to our eyes or why asparagus makes your urine smell? Read on to discover the answers to these and other intriguing questions.

Food Chemistry – Why does Asparagus make our Urine Smell?

There’s a chemical in asparagus called asparagusic acid which is found exclusively in this vegetable, and recent studies show that as the acid is digested, it produces a strong-smelling sulphurous compound which is then released in urine. However, not everyone can smell the pungent after-effects. Studies show that two out of 30 people are happily oblivious to the smell of asparagus in their urine.

But those of you who can smell it will usually do so about 15-30 minutes after you eat the asparagus because that’s how quickly it released in your urine. I hope this answers this question. 

Food Chemistry – Why do Onions make us Cry?

With sliced onions, they release an enzyme known as Alliinases. These enzymes stimulate sensory neurons in the eyes, causing a stinging sensation. The eyes then produce tears in response to flush them out. An intact onion does no effect at all.

It’s when you damage the cell walls by cutting the onion that the unpleasant enzymes are released. Upon eating a raw onion, your breath comes a close second to that of garlic in terms of bad breath odours. The action of chewing fresh onions also releases the alliinase enzymes resulting in a pongy breath. You got that one right! 

Food Chemistry – Why does Beetroot make your Urine Pink?

The food chemistry compounds called betacyanins gives beetroot its characteristic red colour and also causes “beeturia” the colouration of urine that occurs after you’ve eaten the vegetable. This condition is known to affect about 10-15 per cent of people.

Scientists are still uncertain as to why this is but research suggests people with a low stomach acid pH can break down the betacyanins while those with a higher acid pH cannot. The betacyanins then pass through the digestive system into the bloodstream. It’s when they reach the kidneys that they are filtered out and excreted, thus giving urine a distinctive pink colour. 

Editorial credit: New Africa / Shutterstock.com

Food Chemistry – What makes Chili so Hot?

A family of compounds known as capsaicinoids are responsible for the heat of chillies with capsaicin being the dominant of them. When eaten, they bind a receptor in the mucous membrane associated with warmth and physical abrasion, producing that distinctive burning sensation.

Most of us know that someone who can’t seem to get enough of the hot stuff. The reason for chillies tolerance comes from repeated ingestion which depletes the receptors. You can soothe the burn with milk if need be. And the reason why milk soothes the burning sensation is that casein, a protein which envelopes the fatty capsaicin molecules, successfully washing them down the hatch.

Thailand produces some of the hottest chilli sauce you can get, but you can probably purchase some at your local supermarket too. 

Chili

Editorial credit: virtu Vovalis / Shutterstock.com

Food Chemistry – What makes Lemons so Sour?

As much as eight per cent of one lemon is made of citric acid, which is the primary source of the fruit’s sourness. Malic acid is present in only about five per cent of the concentration of citric acid but also contributes to the persistent sour taste.

Lemons also have high amounts of ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which at around 50 mg per 100 grammes is on par with the levels found in oranges. Vitamin C is required by the body to produce collagen (the main protein of connective tissue) and for the growth and repair of tissue.

It’s also an antioxidant, which blocks some of the damage caused by free radicals. The body can’t make enough vitamin C, nor can it store it. So getting enough of the vitamin is vital in maintaining good health. 

Lemon

Why is Chocolate considered to be an Aphrodisiac?

While this is one of my favourite foods, and despite what many may think, chocolate won’t rev up your sex-life. Phenylethylamine (Pea), a food chemistry chemical aphrodisiac, is present in relatively high concentrations in chocolate (0.4 to 6.6 microgrammes per gramme). Still, it’s broken down when eaten, which means it’s unlikely to have any significant effect on your body.

Tryptophan, an essential amino acid which cannot be manufactured by the body, is also found in chocolate. This amino acid plays a critical role in the synthesis of the feel-good hormone serotonin. The only problem is that it’s present in such small quantities and unlikely to trigger any warm and fuzzy feelings. Sorry about that. 

Chocolates

Love Travel Eat Right – Disclaimer

Please take note that the information on this site is designed for educational purposes and is intended solely for a general readership. The contents herein are not intended to offer any personal medical advice or to diagnose any health issues you may have. This information is also by no means a substitute for medical care by a licensed healthcare provider. For that, you’d need to consult your medical doctor or a health care practitioner for any advice should you require prescription medication.

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