
Why does eating a mint make my breath feel cold?
Minty freshness should not be questioned.
Asked by: Maggie Driscoll, Birmingham
You normally sense cold using a protein called TRP-M8 in the membrane of certain specialised nerve cells, which changes shape at low temperatures. This alters the ion permeability of the membrane, which triggers an electrical impulse. The menthol chemical in mint just happens to have the right molecular shape to bind to the TRP-M8 protein and distort it in the same way, even at normal body temperature.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Sponsored Deals
Subscription offer
Subscribe and try your first 3 issues for just £5. After your introductory period you will pay just £22.99 every 6 issues by Direct Debit. Receive every issue delivered direct to your door with FREE UK delivery.