Most people dislike coffee at first and learn to love it, and scientists now say the reason may be a slow dopamine signal from the gut that teaches the brain to like flavours linked with calories, even bitter ones

Do you remember your first sip of coffee? The one that almost made you throw up? And look at you now.

A good cup of coffee is probably the first thing your hand reaches for every morning. But how is it that something that initially tastes so bitter and unpleasant eventually becomes something you look forward to?We mostly think that whatever we like or dislike is because of the taste. But you too must have noticed that many foods you couldn't even touch a few years ago have now become your favourites.

So, if the food hasn't changed, what has? Scientists might have found something, and the answer could be linked to your gut and brain rather than just your taste buds.According to a study published in the journal Nature, titled "The neural basis of flavour–nutrient learning", researchers have identified a gut-to-brain dopamine pathway that may help explain how we learn to enjoy flavours associated with calories, even bitter ones. The study suggests that our food preferences may not be determined by taste alone.