Far from harmless, smoking dulls the enjoyment of favorite meals. A team of Greek researchers analyzed the tongues of 62 soldiers, demonstrating how cigarettes impair taste sensitivity.
By applying a mild electric current to the tongue, the scientists induced a metallic taste and measured the threshold required for detection, gauging overall taste bud sensitivity.
The results were clear: the 28 smokers detected tastes much less effectively than non-smokers. Their taste papillae appeared flatter with reduced blood flow. Researchers concluded that nicotine harms the structure and function of taste buds.
