Why is food addicting? US researchers asked 504 participants which food triggers an addiction-like effect in them Although there is no physical dependence, according to the researchers in Addiction Treatment Phoenix AZ, some foods activate our reward center so strongly that we have the urge to eat them again and again. And our appetite-suppressing hormones such as leptin can no longer compete with these foods. These are mostly processed foods that are high in sugar and fat.
Read also: Understanding How Biochemicals in Food Affect Body Health
Ten Foods Known To Be Addictive
1. Pizza
Pizza tops the list of addicting foods. Because, according to the researchers, it contains a particularly addictive mix of lots of fat and salt and is considered a highly processed food. When we eat pizza, our body releases a particularly large amount of happiness hormones – and we want more of them!
2. Chocolate
Chocolate is also one of those foods that can be addicting. Because the mix of fat and sugar acts as a fire accelerator on our blood sugar level. it skyrockets and then crashes back into the cellar. The result: cravings and a need for more supplies.
3. Chips
For many, chips are part of the perfect Netflix marathon. But: Here, too, the high salt and fat content is an addictive factor. In addition, many chips contain aromas and flavor enhancers such as glutamate. The latter is said to have an appetite-increasing effect. However, this is very controversial.
4. Cookies
The high sugar and fat content in biscuits also mean that our reward center is strongly activated. This also puts them on the list of addicting foods. You don’t have to go completely without sweets like cookies. Instead, simply replace them with healthier alternatives. We have selected the best Nutella alternatives and a delicious recipe for healthy protein biscuits for you.
5. Ice
Ice cream made it to fifth place among the most addicting foods. Because it is usually heavily processed and, in addition to many flavors, also contains a lot of sugar. You don’t have to do without ice cream completely either. Just try the much better and healthier ice cream.
6. Apples
For many people, French fries are simply part of a successful summer. And fries are a real bestseller, especially in the open-air pool! But they also have a lot to offer. In addition to a lot of fat and salt, some also have a little mayo on top. And all of this makes french fries not only a calorie bomb but also an addicting food. Buy your own potatoes, clean them, and cut them into thin slices. Then you can season them with lots of paprika, salt and pepper, and garlic and then bake them in the oven.
7. Cheeseburger
According to the researchers, the cheeseburger is also one of the most addicting foods. Once again it is due to the composition of a lot of fat, salt, cheese, and possibly also flavor enhancers.
8. Lime
Lemonades and other soft drinks contain a lot of sugar, which, due to its liquid form, increases our blood sugar level very quickly. So sodas are clearly on the list of addicting foods. It is much healthier if you make your lemonades yourself. You can find delicious recipes in our detox water article.
9. Cake
Even if the cake is very tasty, it contains a lot of sugar and fat. Instead, go for healthier alternatives with less sugar, oatmeal, and fruit instead of white flour.
10. Cheese
The fact that cheese is an addicting food may no longer surprise you. In the past, the casomorphins it contained were suspected of being addictive. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), however, comes to a different conclusion: It is primarily the salts and fats contained in cheese that activate our reward center and trigger our cheese search.