title: Salt preference across different phases of menstrual cycle.
abstract: It is well established that women experience food craving for particular foods and gain weight in relation to phases of menstrual cycle. In this study, the preference for different concentrations of salt sprayed on bland popcorn was assessed in 55 healthy women (age 18 to 22 yrs). Salt solutions of 0, 1, 2, 3 and +3 molar strength were used. Samples of sprayed popcorn were consumed in random order and preference marked on a Likert scale. It was observed that women preferred unsalted popcorn in the menstrual phase more than in the luteal phase. The preference for salted popcorn was most during the luteal phase and was proportionate to the strength of the salt solution used. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the preference rating between the menstrual phase and the other two phases. There was no significant difference in preference between the luteal and follicular phases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jolly Grant, Dehradun - 248 140. p_verma2002@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Punam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Verma
authors.forename: Krishna K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Mahajan
authors.forename: Sunita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mittal
authors.forename: Archna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ghildiyal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005518:Food Preferences / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D012982:Sodium, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D012982:Sodium, Dietary