What+about+salt,+sugar,+and+or+fat+is+so+appealing+to+eat?


 * __WHAT ABOUT SALT, SUGAR, AND OR FAT IS SO APPEALING TO EAT?__**

Answer the question below, append new answers to the top of this page. _ __Response 1:__ Ivan R    ** What about salty, sugary, and fatty foods makes them appealing? **  The main reason for people liking salty, sugary, and fatty foods is because they may have a craving for them. Cravings are the main reason why we eat unhealthy foods, or simply healthy but overwhelmingly salty, sugary, or fat foods. The real question is: How and why do people have cravings?
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How: First, there is dopamine, a brain chemical that is involved in learning and concentration. When we see or experience something new, dopamine is released in the brain. This works in tandem with other brain chemicals called opioids, which give us feelings of enjoyment and pleasure. The combination of these two factors mean that the brain associates certain activities with pleasure, and it teaches us to do them again and again. That is why people have an urge to eat certain foods.

Why: From an evolutionary point of view, junk food cravings are linked to prehistoric times when the brain's opioids and dopamine reacted to the benefit of high-calorie food as a survival mechanism. We are programmed to enjoy eating fatty and sugary substances, and our brains tell us to seek them out. Today, we still have the same chemical reactions to these so-called hyper-palatable foods, causing an strong desire - despite there being less of a nutritional need for them. When we're stressed, we're more likely drawn towards high-energy foods, such as cakes and sweets. Sweet foods can also actively relieve pain by releasing opioids, thus excusing us for giving sweets to a hurt child.

Sometimes cravings may point to a deficiency in the body. There was a test done where a group of volunteers had a low-protein breakfast followed by a high-protein lunch, (high protein meals usually consist of salt and fat). The following day they were given a low-protein breakfast and a low protein lunch. Each meal was given in a variety of flavors. On the third day they were given a choice. Regardless of flavor, all participants chose the high-protein option. This proves that if we need a nutrient - such as protein - we'll automatically choose it. 'We know that animals seek out food when they have nutritional needs - such as iron, vitamins or sodium. Why should we be any different?' says Dr. Gibson.

Definitions: 1. Cravings: Cravings are an overwhelming sensation of desire for a certain activity, thing, etc. 2. Opioids: A ny of a group of natural substances, as the endorphins, produced by the body in increased amounts in response to [|stress] and pain. 3. Dopamine: Dopamine plays a role in regulating attention, cognition, movement, pleasure, and hormonal processes.

Sources: __Additional Responses:__
 * 1) McLaughlin, A. (August 18, 2011). Salty & Fatty Food Cravings. In //LIVESTRONG.COM//. Retrieved February 22, 2012, from [].
 * 2) Boehlke, J. (July 11, 2011). Sugar & Salt Cravings. In //LIVESTRONG.COM//. Retrieved February 22, 2012, from [].
 * 3) Smellie, A. (May 1, 2011). Why we crave junk food and not fruit and veg. In //Mail Online//. Retrieved February 22, 2012, from [].

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