Cutting onions can make us cry because onions contain a compound called syn-propanethial-S-oxide, which is released when the onion is cut or chopped. When this compound comes into contact with the eyes, it can cause a burning sensation and stimulate tear production.
When the syn-propanethial-S-oxide gas enters the eyes, it reacts with the moisture in the eyes and creates a mild sulfuric acid, which stimulates the eyes to produce tears as a protective mechanism to flush out the irritant.
In addition, onions also contain enzymes that break down amino acid sulfoxides, producing sulfenic acid. This sulfenic acid then reacts with other substances in the onion to form a volatile gas that can also cause eye irritation and tear production.
Overall, the tears produced from cutting onions are a natural response of the body to protect the eyes from irritants, and there are a few strategies that can help reduce the effects of onion-induced tears, such as wearing goggles, cutting onions under running water, or refrigerating the onion before cutting it.
Comments
Post a Comment