Why is it easier for saliva to remove sticky or salty residue from foods rather than water?

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Why is it easier for saliva to remove sticky or salty residue from foods rather than water?

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4 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Saliva is technically a dilute form of weak acid, which is better at dissolving things than pure water.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Aaah! You ever seen that scene from THE FLY????

Anonymous 0 Comments

Saliva is the starting point of digestion. It has enzymes that begin to breakdown compounds in food as you chew. Saliva also has ions and electrolytes.

I don’t think the effect you’re noticing is all too distinct. But for whatever level of difference there is, it’s probably due to the enzymes in saliva breaking down the sugars or fat that are causing the stickiness (most sticky food residue is due to sugar or fat) and the ions in saliva reacting with the salt to help dissolve quicker.

Anonymous 0 Comments

Saliva actually contains enzymes that begin to break down food as part of the digestive process. That’s the same reason some foods seem to dissolve in your mouth without the need for chewing.