Influence of difference in taste of food on brain function

Objectives: The purpose of this experiment was to clarify whether difference in the taste of food affected the function of brain. Methods: Ten healthy subjects in their twenties (5 males and 5 females, average age 26.4 years) were asked to chew regular gummy jelly and bitter tasting gummy jelly for 10 seconds on their habitual side. During that time the brain waves were recorded using Electro-cap (ECI-2, Nihon Kohden) and Bio-amp (Polymate AP1132, TEAC Instruments Co.) according to the international 10/20 method. The brain wave data obtained during the 10 second resting period prior to the start of chewing and during the 10 second resting period after chewing were analyzed. Using the “Mapping Play Analysis” program by NoruPro Light Systems Inc. the brain wave topography was displayed and the percentages of the alpha wave, beta wave, gamma wave and theta wave were calculated. Next the percentages of alpha waves and beta waves were compared between before chewing and after chewing and between the two tastes. Results: When comparing before and after chewing, for regular gummy jelly chewing there was no change in the alpha wave and beta wave, but for bitter gummy jelly chewing there was a significant decrease in the alpha wave (before: 31.7%, after: 29.6%, p<0.05, s) and a significant increase in the beta wave (before: 29.5%, after: 33.6%, p<0.01, s) after chewing. In the comparison, the percentage of alpha wave was significantly smaller and that of beta wave significantly larger for bitter gummy jelly chewing. Conclusions: From these results it was suggested that the difference in taste of food affects brain function.