Fast-releasing carbohydrates alter brain chemistry and create addiction to junk foods !

It certainly will come as no surprise that eating processed junk food is detrimental to your health. Few people may realize though that sugary sweet foods and highly processed wheat fortified breads, pasta and sweets actually change brain metabolism in a similar manner to opiates and narcotics. This may help explain why so many people feel addicted to their favorite junk food splurge, and the reason that food manufacturers employ a team of chemists to fabricate most snacks to encourage repeat purchases.

A team of researchers from the New Balance Foundation Obesity Prevention Center at Boston Children's Hospital have reported their findings regarding processed carbohydrate consumption on brain metabolism for publication in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The scientists have determined that highly processed carbohydrates can trigger the same brain mechanism associated with substance addiction. High glycemic foods typically found in snack foods and breads trigger hunger shortly after eating, and stimulate regions in the brain associated with reward and cravings.

Dr. Ludwig concluded "These findings suggest that limiting high-glycemic index carbohydrates like white bread and potatoes could help obese individuals reduce cravings and control the urge to overeat." Past studies have implicated wheat-based foods with compulsive feeding characteristics, as the gliadin protein found in wheat encourages addictive behavior similar to opiate addiction in sensitive individuals. Elimination of processed snack foods, pasta, breads and sweet treats will minimize the addictive behavior associated with junks foods to assist with weight management and disease resistance.

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