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The Industry’s Most Valuable Nose

Posted by Guru

March 19, 2008

Insurance policies for body parts are no longer reserved for models and musicians. The Associated Press reported in Forbes this week that one of Europe’s foremost winemakers and tasters, Ilja Gort, had his nose insured by Lloyd’s of London for 5 million Euros. While insuring a nose might seem outlandish to some, Gort’s policy is actually not the first of its kind. In 2003, British wine taster Angela Mount took out a policy for 10 million pounds ($20.1 million; Euro12.7 million) to cover her senses of taste and smell. Although many people, especially chefs, depend upon their taste buds and nose to create culinary masterpieces (and earn a living), few can afford to protect themselves against an accident that could leave them without a way to smell or taste the foods they cook.

However, according to an article in Reader’s Digest, there are a few things you can do in your everyday life to keep your senses sharp.

The suggestions from the experts include the following advice:

Stay active - research suggests that your sense of smell is more effective after exercise.
Keep yourself hydrated - a dry mouth adversely affects your ability to taste.
Check out your medicine cabinet- many common pharmaceuticals have side effects that can impair your senses.
No smoking - with every inhalation you’re damaging smell and taste receptors.
Keep your airways clear - try using a Neti pot or saline solution to remove obstructions and moisten your sinuses.