2023-10-24 21:16:03
As Halloween approaches in just a week, many parents will be worried to learn that the candy their children collect during their tour can create strong addictions.
A new study published by general medical news outlet BMJ has revealed that ultra-processed foods high in carbohydrates and trans fats such as candy, chips and ice cream may be as addictive as cigarettes and ‘alcohol.
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Scientific research on addictions has evolved significantly in recent years, according to the article from the University of Michigan News Bureau.
Results from 281 studies in 36 countries analyzed by a coalition of international researchers found that 14% of adults and 12% of children would show signs of addiction to ultra-processed foods according to the Yale Food Addiction Scale.
These signs of addiction to carbohydrate-rich foods can be on par with those of a smoker or alcoholic.
Unlike more recognized addictions like cigarettes, alcohol and gambling, where those addicted to them can eventually try to stop drinking, smoking and gambling altogether; People can’t stop eating, says doctor and study co-author Alexandra DiFeliceantonio.
“Most foods that you would think are natural, or minimally processed, provide energy in the form of carbohydrates or fats, but not both,” explains the researcher.
Ultra-processed foods then play this dual role which can be harmful to health.
What future for these foods?
Even today, it remains difficult to determine which products have the potential to be the most addictive.
However, the professor of psychology at the University of Michigan who also participated in the study, Ashley Gearhardt, indicates that “by recognizing that certain types of processed foods have addictive properties, we will be able to help improve the universal health”.
AFP
“It is essential to understand that addiction to these ultra-processed foods particularly affects low- and middle-income households,” adds Ms. Gearhardt.
These more affordable products are often appealing to families grocery shopping on a budget.
To create better habits, “we will need to take courageous actions to change these economic structures and other factors that encourage people to buy these ultra-processed foods,” she says.
However, the study does not indicate that all of these foods should be avoided completely.
Regarding the issue of candy collected door to door on Halloween by children, the research would encourage parents to observe compulsive consumption behaviors to ensure that there is no development of an addiction.
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