10 foods that cause food addiction

Scientific research shows that the pleasure centers of the brain, which are activated when you take drugs, can also respond to certain foods. We are talking about foods high in sugar, fat, or salt.

Therefore, it is not surprising that some foods are addictive, similar to drugs. The FoodOboz editorial team talks about foods that have this effect. We advise you to eat them in limited quantities.

• Pizza. Pizza is at the top of the list of food addictions. Experts call this dish "the perfect combination of fat and carbohydrates" that perfectly activates the centers responsible for pleasure and reward in the brain. In addition, the dough is known to be covered with cheese, which in itself is very addictive.
• Cheese. Speaking of cheese. Scientists have long said that cheese addiction can be compared to drug addiction. The point is casein, is a protein that activates the same parts of the brain as some drugs. During the digestion of cheese, the body releases casomorphins, substances whose effects on the body can be compared to opiates.
• Bacon. Salt, fat, and protein are the main components of bacon that drive the taste buds and the pleasure center in the brain crazy. Four slices are enough to get half of your daily salt intake. However, it is unlikely that anyone would stop at that amount.

• Fast food. Burgers and fries are also dangerous from the point of view of addiction. Burgers contain a lot of fat, spices, and simple carbohydrates, which are drugs for the brain. French fries contain acrylamide, a chemical compound that is formed during the high-temperature processing of potatoes and can cause cancer in large quantities. In addition, French fries stimulate the appetite but do not give a feeling of satiety, increasing the risk of overeating and obesity.

• Chips. According to experts, in addition to salt, many manufacturers add flavor enhancers and trigger spices to chips - substances that stimulate the pleasure center in the brain. The main danger here is that it is absolutely impossible to eat a handful of chips, you will eat until you eat the entire packet. You don't need to feel a real sense of hunger. Scientists call this phenomenon hedonistic hyperphagia – eating something not to satisfy hunger, but to get pleasure.
• Pastries. The main secret of any confectionery product lies in the huge amount of fat and sugar that cause food addiction. That's why it's very difficult to limit yourself to one piece of cake, one bun, one candy or one cookie.

• Sweet soda. Carbonated drinks contain a lot of sugar, which is known to be very addictive. A half-liter bottle of soda contains about 16 pieces of sugar. In those who drink a lot of soda, the body adapts to the consumption of so much sweetness and constantly requires a new "dose".
• Chocolate. The main feature of chocolate is that it helps the body produce serotonin, a substance that improves mood. This, in turn, is because chocolate contains sugar, caffeine, and theobromine, a "good mood" alkaloid. The problem is that it is impossible to eat just one piece of chocolate to lift your mood, you always want more and more.
• Ice cream. Ice cream contains a huge amount of saturated fat and sugar, which not only "settle" on the figure, but also cause a huge addiction. The same principle applies here as with chocolate: ice cream causes feelings similar to euphoria. The downside is that this feeling is quickly dulled and we need more and more sweets to feel good.
• Smoked foods. Smoked foods contain carbonates, which cause a surge of dopamine and a sharp release of insulin into the bloodstream. These two substances activate the pleasure center in the brain.