Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolic Research in Cologne, Germany, have discovered the effects of fatty and sugary foods on the brain. The researchers have proven that these foods activate the dopamine system in the brain, which is responsible for reinforcement and reward, thus changing the perception of food. The head of the research team, Mark Tittgemeyer, stated: "Our activity measurements showed that the brain is being restructured through the consumption of potato chips and other harmful products. It learns, unconsciously, to prioritize this type of food. Therefore, due to the changes occurring in the brain, we will always unconsciously prefer foods that are high in fat and sugar."
The researchers divided the volunteers participating in the study into two groups. The members of the first group consumed a creamy and sweet pudding along with their meals for eight weeks. Meanwhile, the second group consumed the same food but with lower fat content. During this period, the researchers measured the brain activity of the participants.
It turned out that the weight of individuals in the first group did not increase, nor did their blood sugar and cholesterol levels change. However, the researchers believe that it will be difficult for them to give up sweets, even if they did not consume such foods before this study, due to the formation of new connections in the brain.
