We’ve all experienced it – the time when you had to give in to that tempting treat. For most of us, it’s a self-declared chocolate addiction. Though the indulgence may differ, the intense urge to consume an unhealthy snack is universal. Thanks to new research findings from the University of Michigan, we can now place the blame on our brains.
Though we have known for years that our brains register the consumption of snacks as a reward, researchers have now linked a new region of our brain to over-indulging. Previously, scientists thought that the neostriatum was only responsible for controlling movement. Turns out, it also produces an opium-like chemical known as enkephalin. That’s right – opium-like. This molecule is produced when we consume foods high in sugar or fat. This activates the same receptors in our brain that opium does.
These findings explain the results of previous brain scanning experiments. When obese participants were shown food, or when drug addicts were presented with drug scenes, the neostriatum displayed increased activity. Although it does not change whether or not a person likes a particular treat, it does increase the urge to devour third or fourth helpings. Sure, you could get caught up worrying about how your brain is adding to your holiday over-indulgence, or you could ask someone to pass the pie. Which tempting treats do you give in to?
