A study by the German Max-Planck Institute showed that sugar and fat change our brain, making us binge eat. How does that happen? And can the brain be reprogrammed so that our bodies get rid of addiction to them?
The Max-Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne (Cologne) has been able to prove that the brain changes as a result of regular consumption of foods rich in fat and sugar, according to the website of the German public broadcaster NDR. The result is that the brain tells us to favor unhealthy foods and it becomes difficult to resist this learned craving.
Sugar and fat activate the brain’s reward systems
There is a direct connection between the brain and the gut: when food reaches the small intestine, various sensors register whether it contains sugar and whether it contains sugar or notFats. This information is transmitted to the brain through various neural connections.
The signals reach the brain’s reward center, making you feel satisfied and triggering cravings for more sugar and fat. The German institute’s current study shows that more than just a short-term effect is happening in the brain.
In the study, two groups of people of normal weight ate a small candy every day for eight weeks in addition to their normal diet. In both groups, the candy contained the same number of calories, but in one group the candy was higher in fat and sugar, while the second group was higher in protein.
Before and following the eight weeks, the study subjects were given a milkshake containing varying amounts of fat and sugar.
Study participants underwent magnetic resonance imaging to see the effect of high-fat foods andSugar on their brains. And it was found by examination that the people who ate sweets that contained fat and sugar in the weeks preceding the experiment tasted shakes containing fat and sugar better than the other group.
Reprogramming of brain networks
The reward system was activated in the brains of participants accustomed to consuming fat and sugar. The researchers concluded that new neural connections in the brain developed so that reprogramming of brain networks occurred.
And these changes in brain networks are permanent, meaning that in the future these people will unconsciously prefer to eat foods that contain a lot of fat and sugar.
It is known that the increased consumption of sugar and fat together leads to an increase in risk overweight And the incidence of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, to name a few.
Once the brain becomes accustomed to foods high in fat and sugar, it not only demands more and more of them, but also tends to reject foods that are lower in fat or sugar. Everyone is born with an innate craving for sweet food, but when that craving is strengthened by habit, healthy foods eventually become tasteless.
What is the solution?
The brain cannot be reaccustomed to cutting down on fat and sugar quickly; Because dietary patterns that have been ingrained over many years are hard to break easily. But the body and brain can be “reprogrammed” once more to get used to foods that are less fatty and sugary.
According to the nutritionist, the body needs regarding 60 days to make this change, and talk is always in the custody of the website of the German public radio and television NDR.
Kh.S / A.H
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Vegetables
Whoever eats the size of the palm of the hand of colored vegetables and fruits a day at least five times, gives himself all the nutrients he needs to maintain his physical and psychological health. Vegetables contain a lot of antioxidants that relieve symptoms of anxiety, fear and depression.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Less sugar
Resisting sugar-containing foods like candy and some soft drinks is difficult, but it is essential to maintaining a healthy mind in a healthy body. Researchers from the Universities of Lancaster and Warwick in (British) and Humboldt (German) discovered that those who eat a lot of foods that contain a large percentage of sugar suffer from a bad mood, compared to those who control their consumption of sugars, and even feel sleepy and tired following eating them.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Vitamin B
Vitamin B plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy mind, as it activates the nervous system and combats drowsiness and stress. Among the most important types are vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and niacin (or B3) in addition to folic acid (B9). Some foods that contain vitamin B are vegetables, lean meat, nuts, fish, bananas, potatoes and dairy products.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Probiotics
Probiotics are products that contain beneficial organisms and yeasts for the digestive system. They contribute to the maintenance of beneficial stomach bacteria, and they also help reduce anxiety and depression disorders. Products that contain these probiotics include dairy products such as yogurt, as well as pickles. Probiotics can also be obtained from dietary supplements in the form of capsules.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Vitamin D
Some scientists link vitamin D deficiency in the body to increased symptoms of depression and a negative impact on mood. It’s not clear if a vitamin D deficiency directly causes depression, but it’s known that people with depression don’t go outside as much and therefore aren’t exposed to enough sunlight. Therefore, it is recommended to be exposed to the sun whenever possible, especially for those who live in areas where winters are long.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
magnesium
Studies conducted on rats showed that magnesium deficiency leads to an increase in fear and anxiety disorders. Therefore, foods rich in magnesium contribute to a person’s sense of calm and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Among the foods rich in magnesium are leafy vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, and chard, in addition to legumes, almonds, and whole wheat flour products.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
zinc
Zinc is one of the most important minerals for the body, and it helps reduce fear and anxiety. Zinc deficiency in the body causes increased symptoms of depression, nervousness, and violent behavior. Many foods contain zinc, such as oysters, liver, egg yolks, whole wheat flour products, as well as pumpkin and sesame seeds.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
red meat
Healthy eating doesn’t mean not enjoying a steak from time to time, as long as the meat is not processed or full of fat like hot dogs. Small slices of red meat can be eaten up to three times a week. Red meat contains iron, which fights symptoms of stress.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts contain selenium, which many people don’t get enough. Selenium deficiency in the body causes a bad mood, so it is recommended to eat small amounts of walnuts and nuts on an ongoing basis. Black honey, seafood and vegetables also contain selenium.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
turmeric
Turmeric (or turmeric in some countries) helps to calm inflammation in the body and relieve chronic inflammation that some people suffer from, which affects brain function. The active ingredient in this spice is curcumin, which raises the level of beneficial omega-3 fatty acid in the brain, which helps relieve stress and anxiety.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Mediterranean country cuisine
Mediterranean cuisine is characterized by a variety of healthy and delicious foods. The meal usually consists of vegetables, fish and wholemeal bread with the addition of olive oil, herbs and spices. After the meal can be sweetened with a piece of fresh fruit. Consistently following the Mediterranean diet and giving up foods that contain sugar and white flour leads to improved mood and lower rates of depression, according to a study.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Less caffeine
Some mental health organizations advise caution when consuming caffeinated beverages. Although it gives the person a sense of activity, but too much of it leads to stress, depression, and sleep disturbances. Therefore, it is advised to moderate and reduce the amount of coffee or tea, especially before bed.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Drinking enough water
It is recommended to drink water in sufficient quantities daily to maintain the health of the body and brain. Those who do not drink enough water find it difficult to focus and think clearly. It is usually recommended to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily. Drinking a cup of chamomile tea in the evening may also help calm the nerves following a hard day.
Pictures – the mystery of the mysterious relationship between food and happiness!
Dark chocolate
A person feels happy following eating a piece of chocolate, which is a pleasant and desirable feeling. Therefore, it is also possible to eat chocolate, provided it is dark, that is, it contains a high percentage of cocoa. You should also pay attention to quantities to maintain weight.
