Why does food taste bland in space? Researchers from RMIT University conducted pioneering studies using virtual reality simulations and simulated spacecraft environments to understand why astronauts often find food bland in space, affecting their nutrient intake.
The researchers found that weightlessness in space can lead to fluid shifts affecting smell and taste, even after symptoms like facial swelling and nasal congestion diminish, highlighting the importance of understanding diet problems and interactions with food for long-term space missions.
While sweet aromas like vanilla and almond intensified due to compounds like benzaldehyde in space, lemon aroma remained constant.
The study included 54 adults to capture variations in personal experiences with aromas and tastes in isolated settings like the simulated ISS environment.
The goal of the research was to enable the creation of personalized foods for astronauts and isolated individuals by enhancing flavors and understanding aroma compound interactions in space.
Previous research emphasizes the important role of aroma in food flavor.
This article was written in collaboration with Generative AI news company Alchemiq
Sources: PopSci, Correiobraziliense, SCMP, SciTechDaily, SciencePost, Earth.com, Space.com, ZME Science, Cosmos Magazine, SpaceConnectOnline, Universe Today, Hospital + Health, SpaceDaily.