Did you have a long or heavy emotional day and find yourself craving and munching on something till you drop? How people manage to answer this coincides with the growing debate over food addiction and obesity.
A research utilizing brain imaging proposes that high-glycemic foods may hasten brain mechanism reaction known as substance abuse. The study was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, which focuses on how food intake is controlled by the pleasure centers of the brain.
The study conducted by David Ludwig, HMS professor of pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital and his team concluded that consuming highly processed and refined carbohydrates may lead to excess hunger leading to brain stimulations that induces cravings.
"Beyond reward and craving, this part of the brain is also linked to substance abuse and dependence, which raises the question as to whether certain foods might be addictive," states Ludwig, also the Director of the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children's Hospital.
The research observed reactions on 12 obese or overweight men who consumed milkshakes with rapidly digestible carbohydrates (high-glycemic index) and slow digestible carbohydrates (low-glycemic index). Results showed that men who drank high-glycemic index milkshake exhibited increase in blood sugar levels then lowering blood glucose level after four hours.
With decrease in blood glucose the study proves that it is related to excessive hunger and the activation of 'Nucleus Accumbens' in the brain responsible for addictive pattern of eating.
The study says that by reducing intake of refined carbohydrates that have high-glycemic index or what Nutritionists call as 'bad carbs' including potatoes, white bread and pastries can help obese persons to avoid overeating.
Initial investigations on glycemic index by other researchers also showed that consuming high calorie cheesecakes indicates activation of brain function leading to overeating.
Ludwig suggests that to control overeating, one must limit intake of high-glycemic index carbohydrates. He further explains that obese people may fight the urge of craving and thus avoid excessive eating.
