Reducing sugar consumption is one of the first things you should aim for in your quest to follow a healthier diet. It might be the hardest, but your body will really thank you.
If you’ve tried to cut back in the past, you’ve probably noticed that when you consume your favorite candy again, it tastes more… intense or sweet. Along with your health, could cutting back on sugar affect your taste buds?
What happens to your taste buds when you give up sugar?
Humans have a natural preference for certain foods. Some of us prefer sweets, some prefer salt. But according to research, when we change our diet, our sense of taste can change with it.
As you cut back on sugar, you may find that foods you previously thought were bland or not sweet enough start to taste stronger. Our palate becomes more sensitive to the natural sweetness of natural foods like fruits and even vegetables.
You may also notice that simple drinks like plain coffee, tea or even water will taste better.
It takes about two weeks for the taste buds to adjust to less sugar consumption. A small study published in 2014 in the Permanente Journal sweets were examined when they “were” sweeter for those who cut out all added sugars. After two weeks, 95% of participants felt that sweet foods and drinks tasted sweeter than normal or too sweet for their taste.
Health benefits
Of course, it’s not just our taste buds that change, as strong sugar cravings can also be reduced. In the same study, researchers found that 86.6% of participants stopped craving sweets within just six days of reducing their consumption.
Even better, you’ll make more room in your diet for healthier foods. After replacing foods with added sugar with healthier, ideally plant-based options you can expect benefits such as:
- More energy
- Better sleep
- A more stable mood
- Skin benefits (including reduced acne and fewer wrinkles)
- Improved immune system function
- Reduced risk of chronic diseases (including type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers).