Recognizing addictive foods emphasizes the importance of mindful eating. Foods like dairy, meat, sugar, and processed snacks can trigger addictive responses. Ergo, this prompts a need for moderation. The prevalence of fast food and the booming weight loss industry highlights the same.
About one in eight Americans over the age of 50 show indications of food addiction – University of Michigan
Choosing less addictive, nutrient-rich options offer a path to healthier living. The options include cucumbers, carrots, beans, fruits and more. By making informed food choices, you can contribute to your well-being. Today, you’ll learn about the seven craved food items. According to The Scientific American, cutting back on these will offer health benefits.
To break it down, exorphins, associated with food cravings, are chemicals in some foods. As per studies, it acts like a drug in your body by fueling addiction. And understanding this will help you check your weight. You might also fight late-night binges and cravings after reading this blog. So, ready to find out which are the addictive foods that you should avoid? Let us go through the hyperpalatable food list now.
10 Most Addictive Foods Backed by Scientific Research
Dairy Items
If you were to ask what the most addictive food is, it would be dairy items. Yes, that’s true. The dairy products are both good and bad for your health. The protein in your dairy foods is “casein”. As per researchers, this casein is addictive. Now, the same medications used in an emergency room for a drug overdose can end your craving for dairy. This should give you an idea of how powerful the craving for casein is in your body.
Meat
Many people crave meat. But what you are actually craving is the albumin, hemoglobin, and gamma globulin in the meat. These chemicals are well known for activating the opioid receptors in your brain. Even some leading doctors believe that meat can be highly addictive. It’s like if you will get medications that block opiate receptors, your craving will get over.
Sugar
According to a PubMed report, sugar combined with fats, acts as an opiate. When treated with opiate blockers, you would stop craving the combination, too. Sugar and fats are responsible for obesity in many individuals. So, you better stop over-consuming them.
Potato Chips
If we talk on a global level, potato chips are at the top of the list of the most addictive foods. Yes, you heard it right! According to PubMed, ultra-processed food like potato chips are highly addictive. It is because they are high in salt and oil, making it unhealthy for you. Eating potato chips often can lead to obesity and heart diseases.
Salt
If you suffer from high blood pressure, one of the things you’re advised to do is take the saltshaker off the table. Salt makes you addicted in a different manner, forcing your body to retain fluids. This way, it increases your blood pressure. You might have learned to crave salt from a young age. This salt craving is very difficult to break but well worth the effort.
Rice and Wheat
You should know that the protein in wheat and rice is gliadin. It acts as an opiate in your system. Again, your body begins to crave it like a drug, making you fat and sick. Remember that the more bread you eat, the more you’re feeding the addiction.
Ice cream
As per a Michigan Study, ice cream and potato chips are as addictive as alcohol and tobacco. This is because it is full of calories, fat, sugar, and high-fructose corn syrup. So, the next time you crave ice cream, remember that it can affect you in negative ways.
Breakfast Cereals
Breakfast cereals are both healthy and unhealthy for you. Furthermore, it is possible that you like them because of their addictive nature. The high sugar content in many cereals contributes to their irresistibility. Plus, the crunchiness and variety of flavors make each bite enjoyable. Lastly, excessive sugar intake can also lead to weight gain, energy crashes, and risk of diabetes.
Popcorn
Your craving for popcorn isn’t only about the movies. The addictive part is the satisfying crunch, and the joy of munching on those popped kernels. The simple combination of salt and butter can make putting that popcorn bag down hard. However, you should always consider the portion size while eating them. It is because excessive butter and salt can contribute to health issues. You may struggle with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Rolls
Rolls, whether bread or pastry, can become a delightful addiction for you. The softness, paired with the aroma of freshly baked rolls, makes them hard to resist. It’s the simple pleasure of tearing into a roll that can make it a regular part of your meals. Older adults often prefer to eat such highly processed foods that are addictive in nature. Yet too many rolls might lead to excess calorie intake and potential weight concerns.
Addictive nature of fast food and its impact on health
Fast food can be a tempting trap, leading to food addiction. Research suggests similarities between food and drug addiction pathways.
Did you know that the habit of munching on fast food grows by 2.2%?
That’s true! On average, American households spend 10% of their yearly income on fast food. It’s like you can’t resist the temptation. Processed foods lead to addictive eating habits because they mess with your brain. That is why your brain often falls prey to the high sugar, fat, and salt content. Neurotransmitters, like dopamine, make you crave fast food. Let’s take McDonald’s as an example – it’s the most liked fast food chain in the USA. Can you imagine that the fast-food giant boasts around 13,500 locations in the U.S.? On top of that, McDonald’s serves around 69 million people every single day
Now, the fries and burgers pack more calories than you’d think. It can even lead to heart problems and other health issues. Addictive foods can even lead to heart problems and other health issues. A 2019 study found that highly processed foods trigger addictive-like behavior. Your brain gets hooked on the blissful combination of flavors, perpetuating the cycle. Thus, it’s crucial to hit the brakes on excessive consumption.
Key Takeaway – Fast food can be addictive. It is due to the high sugar, fat, and salt content affecting brain pathways. Processed foods trigger addictive behavior, exploited by the industry’s marketing. Breaking free requires awareness and action.
Rise of the weight loss industry
In recent years, the weight loss industry has soared. You’ve probably noticed the surge in products and programs. It claims to help you shed those extra pounds. But you’re not alone in the struggle to maintain a healthy weight.
Around 42% of Americans struggle with obesity.
The weight loss industry, valued in billions, is targeting your desire for a slimmer you. From diet plans to supplements, they’re offering a plethora of options. Everywhere you look, there’s a new trend or a revolutionary approach to weight loss. Detox teas, meal replacements, and fat-burning pills flood the market. But weight loss is possible even without these!
You must break free from food addiction. Choose healthier and less addictive foods. Once you start including less addictive food into your diet, you’ll witness the change.
Key Takeaway – The weight loss industry is booming. It targets the 42% of Americans dealing with obesity. They offer lots of products and plans, but you can make a change without them. Choose healthier foods, and you’ll see a difference.
Least addictive yet healthy food choices
As per Research Gate’s research, these food items are not the most craved among Americans. On top of that, these food items can also give your health a lot of benefits.
Cucumber
Incorporate refreshing cucumbers into your diet. With their high-water content, they keep your skin healthy and glowing. Additionally, this low-calorie snack can also be your weight-management ally.
Carrots
Add orange carrots as a part of your meal. It is a fantastic choice for your eyes and digestive health. Rich in beta-carotene, they act as a natural booster for your vision. The high fiber content keeps your digestive system in check.
Beans
Welcome beans into your meals. These legumes are a stellar plant-based protein source. It is crucial for muscle repair and vitality. Packed with dietary fiber, beans support your digestive health. It also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Apples
Bite into the crispness of apples. Apples are a rich source of soluble fiber. It promotes a happy gut and helps in digestion. Bursting with antioxidants, they play a role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Brown Rice
Choose the wholesome goodness of brown rice. Packed with complex carbohydrates, brown rice ensures a steady release of energy. It supports your complete vitality throughout the day. The fiber content further aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system.
Broccoli
Invite vibrant green broccoli onto your plate. Its powerful antioxidants support your body in defending against oxidative stress. With a notable fibre content, broccoli aids digestion. It also helps maintain a healthy weight and not among the most addictive foods.
Bananas
Do not miss to peel open a banana daily. With high potassium content, bananas are crucial in maintaining proper heart function. It further supports muscle function as well. The natural sugars also provide a quick and sustained energy boost. That is why it is ideal for a pre-or post-workout snack.
Salmon
Dive into the goodness of salmon. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon promotes heart health and reduces inflammation. With a high-quality protein profile, it supports muscle health. It also aids in the body’s repair processes.
Corn
Embrace the golden kernels of corn. With its fiber content, corn supports digestion. The antioxidants, such as lutein and zeaxanthin, also contribute to eye health. Corn also provides a quick burst of vitality as an energy source with carbohydrates.
Strawberries
Sink your teeth into juicy strawberries. With a rich vitamin C content, strawberries boost your immune system. It also contributes to radiant skin health. Packed with anthocyanins and quercetin, they protect your body from oxidative stress.
References
- 2023. Food Can Be Literally Addictive, New Evidence Suggests. Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/food-can-be-literally-addictive-new-evidence-suggests/
- 2023. Exorphins, Food Cravings, and Schizophrenia. Academia. https://www.academia.edu/7454581/Exorphins_Food_Cravings_and_Schizophrenia
- 2016. Milk and dairy products: Good or bad for human health? An assessment of the totality of scientific evidence. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310741081_Milk_and_dairy_products_Good_or_bad_for_human_health_An_assessment_of_the_totality_of_scientific_evidence
- 2020. Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for The Role of Contemporary Dietary Patterns in Health and Disease. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338850455_Defining_a_Healthy_Diet_Evidence_for_The_Role_of_Contemporary_Dietary_Patterns_in_Health_and_Disease
- 2023. Obesity facts. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/obesity-facts
- 2022. Highly processed foods can be considered addictive like tobacco products. University of Michigan. https://news.umich.edu/highly-processed-foods-can-be-considered-addictive-like-tobacco-products/
- 2017. Food and drug addictions: Similarities and differences. Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0091305717300035
- 2005. Bad Popcorn in Big Buckets: Portion Size Can Influence Intake as Much as Taste. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7691634_Bad_Popcorn_in_Big_Buckets_Portion_Size_Can_Influence_Intake_as_Much_as_Taste
- 2023. Breakfast Cereals: Healthy or Unhealthy?. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/are-breakfast-cereals-healthy#sugar-carbs
- 2013. Does wheat make us fat and sick? Science Direct. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0733521013000969
- 2006. Salt addiction: a different kind of drug addiction. NIH. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16790320/
- 2015. Potato consumption as high glycemic index food, blood pressure, and body mass index among Iranian adolescent girls. NIH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4530659/
- 2007. Evidence for sugar addiction: Behavioral and neurochemical effects of intermittent, excessive sugar intake. NIH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2235907/
- 2019. Meat Can Be Addictive According To Leading Doctor. Plant Based News. https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/meat-addictive-leading-doctor/
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