Why Eating Oranges in the Shower May Be the 10/10 Experience You’ve Been Searching For

Why Eating Oranges in the Shower May Be the 10/10 Experience Youve Been Searching For

Jacqueline Kim, Staff Writer

Back in 2016, Reddit users could not get over this new craze: eating oranges in the shower. And somehow, now in 2020, this old trend has resurfaced and people are returning back to their showers to try oranges in a “new light.” If you haven’t heard of this supposedly “life-altering” affair yet, you have now.

This phenomenon is presumed to enhance your taste buds, not only making oranges taste better in the shower, but allegedly boosting your happiness, momentarily.

In order to scientifically prove why oranges may taste better in the shower, more research would have to be done. However, in the meantime, we can infer with Johan Lundström’s—of the Monell Chemical Senses Center—conventional conclusion. Lundström states, “The only thing I can think of is that the heat makes the orange odors more volatile and this, merged with the increase in mucosa humidity, makes the orange odor smell more in the mouth.”

As about 90% of taste is influenced by smell detected from the mouth to the olfactory receptors in the nose, Lundström’s conjecture makes sense. The heat and steam from the shower intensifies the balming incense of the orange while augmenting the taste. And in addition to better flavor, the highly concentrated citrus, known to prompt feelings of peace and serenity, add to the experience. The smell of citrus triggers the body’s production of more serotonin, a hormone that induces happiness, while reducing levels of stress hormones, such as norepinephrine. Scientifically, this phenomenon CAN make you happier, while relieving stress.

But does it work? Thousands of Reddit users have followed up with promising affirmations of their encounters in the shower back in 2016. As this trend has reappeared several years since it was originally proposed, many have decided to put this idea to the test, with a variation of reviews. Some reported experiences just as advertised, feeling happier and more peaceful during and after their shower. Assessments went as far as describing the matter as “freeing” and “relieving,” recommending the trial to others. On the other hand, others found the enterprise as seemingly meaningless beyond just a fun snack in the shower.

So, before you head into the bathroom, try swinging by the kitchen and pick up an orange for a “life-changing” endeavor, or maybe just a fun experiment. Start off your morning or end your day with a refreshing, fragrant shower, and a positive attitude.