Sugar, Salt, And Fat: A Dangerous Combination
The average American probably doesn't realize that some foods, particularly those laden with sodium, sugar, and fat, can be addictive. To most, it's just a tasty treat. Unfortunately, this combo can impact the chemicals in your brain, stimulating its reward center, causing us to want more.
Every person has a sweet spot, so to speak, or peak pleasure point as it relates to sugar, sodium, and fat. The food industry calls it the bliss point. It is the target they hope to hit to leave a lasting impression on your brain. Much research has been done on people
There is some research that you might find interesting. Researchers increased the fat, sugar, and salt intake of a number of rats. They noted that the rats' pleasure centers were triggered as a result. What's more, it was surmised, based on a variety of factors, that the rats suffered from withdrawal symptoms upon conclusion of the study. While there are always critics of animal studies when extrapolating to humans, it is certainly something to think about.
It is easy to train our brains to eat too much. This happens when we overindulge in foods filled with sugar, sodium, and fat. Not only are they unhealthy on their own, but the fact that they can be addictive makes them that much worse. Furthermore, sugar and sodium can preserve food, resulting in a convenient product ready at a moment's notice to overeat. It's no wonder that obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. with rates skyrocketing.
Advertisers, and the food companies that pay them, are experts at conditioning us. They attempt to cause you to label their product a comfort or feel-good food. They do this with alcohol as well. Have you ever seen a beer commercial where there wasn't an amazing party going on, packed with beautiful people? Overweight people don't go to parties? This is by design. They want to make an unconscious connection with you and they do it well.
Although food companies do not set out to make us fat and unhealthy, it is an unfortunate byproduct of them trying to sell more products to us. It is up to us to be aware of the forces that be and take steps to keep from overindulging. The best option is to avoid having unhealthy, processed foods in the house. It also pays to be prepared when you go out. Take healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts out with you. Sweet fruit, in particular, can also help solve sugar cravings. There's a reason why it's called "nature's dessert". Give it a try.
Every person has a sweet spot, so to speak, or peak pleasure point as it relates to sugar, sodium, and fat. The food industry calls it the bliss point. It is the target they hope to hit to leave a lasting impression on your brain. Much research has been done on people
There is some research that you might find interesting. Researchers increased the fat, sugar, and salt intake of a number of rats. They noted that the rats' pleasure centers were triggered as a result. What's more, it was surmised, based on a variety of factors, that the rats suffered from withdrawal symptoms upon conclusion of the study. While there are always critics of animal studies when extrapolating to humans, it is certainly something to think about.
It is easy to train our brains to eat too much. This happens when we overindulge in foods filled with sugar, sodium, and fat. Not only are they unhealthy on their own, but the fact that they can be addictive makes them that much worse. Furthermore, sugar and sodium can preserve food, resulting in a convenient product ready at a moment's notice to overeat. It's no wonder that obesity is an epidemic in the U.S. with rates skyrocketing.
Advertisers, and the food companies that pay them, are experts at conditioning us. They attempt to cause you to label their product a comfort or feel-good food. They do this with alcohol as well. Have you ever seen a beer commercial where there wasn't an amazing party going on, packed with beautiful people? Overweight people don't go to parties? This is by design. They want to make an unconscious connection with you and they do it well.
Although food companies do not set out to make us fat and unhealthy, it is an unfortunate byproduct of them trying to sell more products to us. It is up to us to be aware of the forces that be and take steps to keep from overindulging. The best option is to avoid having unhealthy, processed foods in the house. It also pays to be prepared when you go out. Take healthy snacks like fruits, vegetables, and nuts out with you. Sweet fruit, in particular, can also help solve sugar cravings. There's a reason why it's called "nature's dessert". Give it a try.
posted by sahab @ 12:22 AM
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