If you have a strong sweet tooth, you might recognize the feeling of being out of control around processed, sugary foods. Sometimes it can feel like your brain is demanding sugar, and you just can’t say no – and you’re certainly not alone. The American Heart Association reports that the average American adult consumes 22 to 30 teaspoons of added sugar a day. Now that’s out of control.
A 2023 study by the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research in Cologne found that foods high in sugar and fat can actually rewire the brain to need more in the future. Researchers explained that after regularly consuming sugar, the brain learns to prefer it over whole foods like proteins and vegetables.
The study consisted of one group who, in addition to their regular diet, ate a small pudding cup every day for eight weeks. A second group was given a small pudding cup with the same amount of calories, but with less fat and sugar. The result? The first group’s brains were triggered to activate their dopaminergic system – a part of the brain that controls the feeling of reward.
“Our measurements of brain activity showed…
