As it turns out, a study done by
the University of Michigan says it’s true.
Due to the growing obesity epidemic, the topic of food addictions has
sparked many scientists’ and consumers’ curiosity. Some other studies have shown that the highly
processed food many American’s enjoy and even foods with added fat or refined
carbohydrates can actually trigger an addictive-like eating behavior. This particular University of Michigan study
differs from the others because it is the first of its kind to take a closer
look at exactly what foods can cause this type of addiction. The study indicates highly processed food such
as chocolate, pizza, and French fries are some of the most addictive.
Have you ever rewarded yourself
with a sweet treat or maybe something you know isn’t so healthy? You’re not the only one, highly processed
foods are actually made to be extra delicious.
Thus, they keep you wanting more and more. In fact, this kind of food can cause an addiction-like
response. Those who have symptoms of
food addiction or higher body mass indexes may be more sensitive to the
rewarding properties of highly processed food.
Don’t worry though, unprocessed foods, such as brown rice or salmon,
have not been shown to produce an addictive behavior.
Although future research on this
topic should be conducted, Nicole Avena, an assistant professor of pharmacology
and systems therapeutics and co-author of the study, notes, "this is a first step
towards identifying specific foods, and properties of foods, which can trigger
this addictive response.” She also adds,
"this could help change the way we approach obesity treatment. It may not be a simple matter of 'cutting
back' on certain foods, but rather, adopting methods used to curtail smoking,
drinking and drug use."
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