Have you ever wondered why it's so hard to resist certain foods? This article explores addiction to ultra-processed foods and how these products can be just as addictive as tobacco or alcohol. Find out why these foods activate bc data thailand our brains so powerfully, the health problems they bring, and what we can do to take control. Don't miss out!
Vocabulary
Before moving on to the article, let's look at some words that we found interesting and their meaning:
Without meaning to : Without meaning to.
Binge eating : Overeating or binge eating
Gut : Intestine
Craving : Intense craving or desire
Withdrawal : Withdrawal syndrome
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Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?
Have you ever eaten a lot of chips or donuts without meaning to? This might be because of something called ultra-processed food addiction. These foods can be as addictive as tobacco or alcohol for some people. About 20% of adults and 15% of children show signs of addiction to these foods.
What are ultra-processed foods?
Ultra-processed foods are made in factories, not kitchens. They have lots of added fat, sugar, and salt to make them taste really good. Examples include packaged snacks, fast food, sodas, and candy. These foods make up about 60% of the calories people eat in the US
How do these foods affect our brain?
Evan Forman, a professor who studies food addiction, says these foods activate our brain's reward system very strongly. When people eat these foods, they often can't stop, just like with other addictions.
Evidence of addiction
Experts met in London recently and agreed that people can become addicted to ultra-processed foods. This addiction can happen with or without other eating problems like binge eating. Studies have shown that rats' brains react to these foods in a way that's similar to how they react to drugs like cocaine. Scientists also found that people who are addicted to these foods often have a similar gut microbiome to people with other addictions.
Signs of addiction
A key sign of addiction is craving, and people often crave ultra-processed foods. For example, someone might drive far just to get a donut, even if they have diabetes. Withdrawal symptoms, like headaches and irritability, can also occur when people stop eating these foods.
Health problems linked to ultra-processed foods
High consumption of ultra-processed foods is linked to many health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and depression. They can cause weight gain because they are easy to overeat. However, even thin people can become addicted to these foods.
Impact on diet and children
One big issue is that people get used to the intense flavors of ultra-processed foods and then don't enjoy whole foods like vegetables. This is especially a problem for kids who grow up eating these foods.
Food industry response
Food companies argue that ultra-processed foods are convenient and that people should have clear nutritional information to make better choices. They also say the term “ultra-processed” is not clearly defined and could confuse people.
Solutions and hope for the future
To help people with food addictions, experts suggest clear labels on packaging, like those on cigarette packs. They also recommend reducing the marketing of these foods to children and supporting people with education and psychological help.
Just like the dangers of smoking became widely known, experts hope that people will eventually recognize the dangers of ultra-processed foods.
