Washington: Experts suggest that consuming ultra-processed foods can become an addiction, similar to substances like cigarettes, according to media reports. Researchers from the United States, Spain, and Brazil jointly published their research in the 'British Medical Journal,' revealing that consuming ultra-processed foods can take on the form of addiction, much like smoking or alcohol.
According to media reports, researchers from the United States, Spain, and Brazil jointly published their research in the 'British Medical Journal,' revealing that consuming ultra-processed foods can take on the form of addiction, much like smoking or alcohol.
The researchers conducted a review of 281 studies from over 35 countries to measure food addiction, using 11 different criteria for analysis. The study included participants who had been consuming ultra-processed foods for the past few years.
The researchers found an average increase of 14% in adults, 12% in children, and 32% in obese individuals in food addiction. Ultra-processed foods contain high levels of added sugars and fats. Both substances release dopamine in the brain, similar to the release that occurs during smoking or alcohol consumption, enhancing pleasurable feelings.
On the other hand, natural foods have low or no levels of fats or added sugars. For example, apples contain carbohydrates but low fat, and fish contains fats but no carbohydrates."