2023-10-24 03:10:34
Who has never put their hand in the bag of chips, to take just one but finished the packet without even realizing it? Chips like soda and other processed foods (ice cream, cookies, cornflakes or prepared foods) can cause severe and addictive food dependence. Researchers have even demonstrated that addiction to chips and soda might be equivalent to an addiction to drugs such as cocaine or nicotine!!!
Why do we have trouble getting rid of our salt and sugar addictions?
Ashley Gearhardtprofessor at the University of Michigan, conducted a study on food addictions, particularly foods containing a lot of sugar or salt. The study, carried out in 36 countries and condensing 281 studies, was published on October 9, 2023 in the British Medical Journal. It reveals that 14% of the population suffers from a food addiction. The scientist is particularly known for having written the Yale Food Addiction Scale, a questionnaire to determine if a person is addicted to certain foods. Criteria include uncontrollable and excessive consumption, cravings and continued ingestion despite potential negative health effects. “ The combination of refined carbohydrates and fats, often found in ultra-processed food products, appears to have an addictive effect on the brain’s reward system« , écrit Ashley Gearhardt. An effect as powerful as alcohol, tobacco or cocaine and other drugs.
Weaning yourself off chips and soda would be harder than quitting smoking!
“Trying to quit ultra-processed foods today is like trying to quit smoking in the 1960s”. These remarks, collected by the newspaper 20 Minutes Switzerlandemanate from Christoffer Van Tullekena British doctor and author of the book Ultra-processed People (Ultra-transformed population). In an article, the specialist reacts to the results of the new American study. Addictive products do not create dependence in everyone, he assures. Nearly 90% of people can drink alcohol without developing problematic drinking.
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#science #foods #everyones #cupboard #addictive #cocaine #cigarettes #Grazia
