Why Sour Foods Make Your Mouth Water: The Science Behind the Gustatory Reflex

• Mouth-watering at the sight or thought of sour foods like lemon or tamarind is a natural defense mechanism.
• The body produces saliva to dilute acids in sour foods, protecting tooth enamel and mouth lining.
• Brain conditioning plays a role; past experiences with sour tastes trigger saliva production as a 'conditioned reflex'.
• Saliva, containing enzymes, prepares the digestive system for potentially difficult-to-digest sour foods.
• Saliva's alkaline nature helps neutralize the acidity of sour foods, maintaining the mouth's pH balance.