| Science of sugar - people |
|
There are four basic tastes: sour, salt, sweet and bitter. We taste with special sense cells which are mainly on the surface of our tongue and are grouped together to form taste buds. Each type of taste bud is only activated when food molecules fit the shape of receptors on its surface, rather like a key fitting into a lock. The taste bud then sends messages to the brain where they are decoded and registered as a 'taste'.
Sweetness in nature
Sweetness can often be an indication of food which is safe to eat. In contrast poisonous fruits and plants often tend to be bitter (eg mistletoe berries). Remember, never eat unfamiliar fruits, berries or plants as they may be poisonous.
Plants use sugar rich nectar and fruit to attract insects, birds and mammals which in turn help the plants to reproduce. For example, when bees pass from flower to flower drinking nectar they also pick up and transfer pollen between flowers. This results in the fertilisation essential to seed formation. When birds eat fruit they often eat the seeds along with the fruit. The seeds pass through their digestive systems intact and are scattered around the countryside, where they may grow into new plants.
Bees pick up pollen as they pass from flower to flower
Sugars are present in the diet of many animals. For example, the sugars in berries provides energy for woodland animals and nectar contains a solution of sugars, which a bee uses to fuel its flying (bee wings flap at 18,000 beats per minute). The bee also uses the nectar to produce a food to fuel us - honey!
Dental science has taught us the correct methods for brushing and flossing teeth to keep teeth healthy. Regular visits to your dentist will also help to keep your teeth healthy. Always use a fluoride containing toothpaste as old-fashioned non-fluoride toothpaste does not provide the protection for the teeth.
Bacteria, which live in our mouths, metabolise the sugars and starches in our food and produce acid. The mixture of food and bacteria which forms on teeth is called plaque. The bacteria in plaque break down sugars to form acid which then attacks the enamel coating of the teeth. Given time between attacks, the enamel can rebuild itself, but if the acid attacks are too frequent, cavities may form. The more times you eat foods containing sugars or starch during the day the less time there is for your teeth to recover. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste helps to reduce the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth and strengthens the tooth enamel.
It is important to take steps to look after our teeth properly so that they last a lifetime.
- Brushing teeth helps to remove bacterial plaque from the surface of the teeth. It is best to do this at least twice a day.
- Use a small toothbrush with short bristles. Make sure that you reach all the surfaces of your teeth, including those at the back. Don't forget to clean along the edge of the gums, and in between individual teeth.
- Use a toothpaste which contains fluoride (in some places fluoride is added to drinking water). The fluoride helps to protect the teeth from the action of acids produced by the mouth bacteria and by making the enamel stronger.
- Eat and drink sensibly. It is not simply what we eat, but how often that matters. Try not to eat sugary foods too often between meals.
- Visit the dentist at regular intervals for a check-up (about every six months).
|
 |
|
|
|
Mice eat berries which can provide them with energy
Bees pick up pollen as they pass from flower to flower
Try to visit your dentist every six months for a check up
| |