As
light as the matter may seem, food addiction is not only because certain foods
taste better than the others. It’s because, at times, the body becomes
physically and mentally dependent on a certain ingredient or only on the
practice of eating.
The
issue can get so serious that individuals may become addicted to food in a
similar manner to that of alcohol or cigarette addiction. Usually, the body
gives such a reaction when it experiences stress, sadness, or anger. The
chemicals in certain foods trigger chemicals like dopamine in the brain, which
in turn brings about pleasurable sensations. Thus, promising temporary relief.
Often,
foodstuffs that cause addiction contain a high content of sugar, starch, and
fat. Let’s have a closer view of some of the addicting foods to have a better
understanding of the mechanism of this phenomenon.
1. Pizza
The
pizza, laid down in a complete circle, appears to be the most heavenly food for
most of the food addicts. The warm crispy crust, the creamy sauce, the melting
cheese, and the variety of scrumptious toppings makes the best combo ever. Over
time, an assortment of outstanding pizza types has sprouted up, such as the
Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Also, different pizzerias have introduced different
flavors, including Fajita, Pepperoni, Arabic, and Vegan.
2. Chocolate
Be
it, milk or dark – Chocolate can have most of us craving at 3 am. As obvious as
it is, chocolate happens to be rich in sugars and chemicals called tryptophan
and phenylethylamine. Both of which can cause feelings of elation, excitement,
and utter happiness.
Science
suggests that most women or people with magnesium deficiency experience
uncontrollable chocolate cravings, or more appropriately, chocoholism. The
sweetness can be so alluring that, at times, even a picture does the trick. In
an experiment, a picture of chocolate milkshake managed to trigger the
rewarding circuit of a group of women. And they experienced the effects of
dopamine without even having a sip.
3. French Fries
The
crazy French fries fever has taken almost everyone in its grasp. From children
to adults, everyone has become deeply indulged in this French fries food
addiction.
It
is doesn’t matter whether the fries get cooked at home or bought from a nearby
fast-food place. As long as they are potatoes, it is perfectly fine!
There
is a lot of variation in fries these days, such as pizza fries, cheese fries,
and the supreme delicacy-Shawarma Fries. Check out the Newest Variations of
French fries here!
4. Potato Crisps
Even
though potato crisps are not sweet, they can become as addictive as drugs. Why?
Perhaps, it’s the starch? Not exactly.
In
a study, researchers offered a mix of fats and carbohydrates, potato chips, and standard chow.
Can
you guess what the rodents chose? The crisps! Well, it’s because potato crisps
contain fat and salt. Like sugar, salt also triggers the release of
dopamine. It brings pleasure sensations. Even more, the excess content of salt
makes self-control difficult, and one cannot help but munch down the whole
packet of crisps.
5. Ice Cream
Chilled
and creamy, perhaps, we all love to lick an ice cream or two when the sun’s
burning our back. Upon eating, a coolness settles down in our otherwise
sweating bodies. Also, it helps relieve headaches too. But eating too much can
be a problem.
Well, it is true, but ice cream addiction has led to the development of health problems, like obesity. The high-fat content makes the food delight unhealthy when consumed in a massive amount.
6. The Cheese
Be
it Mozzarella, Cheddar, or simple, cream cheese, the food item is irresistible!
Cheese is a very commonly used ingredient these days, especially in fast-food
items.
Hence,
there is no wonder that the majority of food addicts prefer cheese when it
comes to satisfying their cravings. A block of cheese in the morning and a
block added to the macaroni in the lunch. Well, that’s practically how food
addicts go about cheese.
However,
considering the addictive foods list, the cheese is the only unprocessed food.
7. Cakes
Baked
goods are always a delight. But, the position of cakes and muffins is certainly
unshakable when it comes to soul satisfaction.
The
creamy chocolate cake at the birthday party or the mouth-watering marble cake
at tea is how people love to enjoy this intriguing food item. Occasion and
cakes- is the connection that most of us cherish. However, food addicts seem to
take it another way around.
According
to studies, people with cake addiction demonstrated an irresistible urge
towards the food item. And, they preferred eating cakes with every other meal
and still did not get bored with it.
#Addictive #Foods #World