Why are our tears salty?
Why Do Our Tears Have A Salty Taste
If you have ever cried and tasted your tears, you would have noticed that our tears have a distinctly salty flavor.
So why are our tears salty?
The answer to this question is quite simple. Our tears taste salty because it is made from the water that our body has, and this water contains salt in the form of electrolytes.
Of course, there is a lot more to tears than just a salty taste. It is made up of water, mucus, fatty oils, and over 1500 different types of protein.
Tears are produced by glands located under the eyelids and above the eyes.
Every time we blink, our tears clean our eyes. Tears keep your eyes smooth and moist and act as a lubricant agent
So, ultimately, our tears are salty because they contain natural salts called electrolytes.
– Written by Aashutosh
Tears play an important role in the healthy maintenance of our eyes. Yes, they don’t just play a role in shedding emotions out but they have a scientific existence.
Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands present at the base of the eyelids.
They are watery fluids composed of-
electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, carbonates, and bicarbonates)
Proteins and enzymes – the most important to be noted is lysozyme, which protects the eyes from bacterial infections
immunoglobulins such as IgA
Mucous tears provide lubrication as well.
Thus, having all these compounds and proteins, especially the presence of electrolytes, gives tears a salty taste.
I hope this answer helps.
– Written by Manpreet
