Fetuses make more of a “crying face” in utero when exposed to the taste of kale consumed by their mothers and give more of a “smile face” response when exposed to carrots, a new study published this week revealed released.
“Findings from this study have important implications for understanding the earliest evidence for the fetus’s ability to sense and distinguish different tastes,” researchers wrote in the study published in Sage Journals.
They looked at the healthy fetuses of about 100 women in England. Researchers gave the mothers capsules containing powdered versions of the two foods. 35 women were placed in an experimental group that consumed an organic kale capsule, 35 were placed in a group that took a carrot capsule, and 30 were placed in a control group that was not exposed to wilt taste.
About 20 minutes later, researchers said 4D ultrasound showed that most fetuses exposed to kale appeared to grimace, while most who were exposed to the carrot appeared to smile. The control group, on the other hand, had the same reaction.
Love carrot, not so fond of kale…
Fetuses make faces “smile” or “cry” in response to different tastes according to @FetalLab@DurhamPsych.
This is the first direct evidence that fetuses react differently to different tastes and smells in the womb ? https://t.co/13UKS7IjVMpic.twitter.com/xAqXGDqxQl
— University of Durham (@durham_uni) September 22, 2022
“When fetuses were exposed to carrot flavor, they showed more ‘smile face’ responses, and when exposed to kale flavor, they were more likely to exhibit ‘hypocritical’ responses,” the researchers wrote.
“We also found that facial responses to flavors became more complex as the fetuses got older,” she added.
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Now, based on the findings, researchers from the study propose that repeated exposure to certain flavors in the womb may be a factor in establishing food preferences after birth. They believe that if a fetus in the womb is routinely exposed to a vegetable such as kale, they are more likely to tolerate or enjoy it later in life.
Researchers also said mothers who eat healthily during their pregnancy may also find that their babies are less picky eaters. However, the study authors noted that further research is still needed to determine for sure whether fetuses are capable of experiencing emotions, likes and dislikes.