Alluring addictiveness of fast food
Did you know the brain has a reward system? It’s a primal system that rewards us when we do something that encourages our survival – such as eating food. Unfortunately, when we eat junk food, the chemical dopamine (aka the reward), is released in larger amounts into the brain than when we eat whole foods. Learn more…
Dopamine makes us feel good. Feeling good can become addictive to some people in the same way people become addicted to alcohol or drugs. Eventually your body craves more of that good feeling, meaning we eat junk food more frequently or in larger quantities. Moreover, fast food is usually higher in fat, salt and sugar making it extremely irresistible for the mouth.
Fast food manufacturers know all this of course, so they market their product at our feelings of happiness and indulgence as well as making it convenient, accessible, and attractive. Altogether very alluring.
With all this in mind, we must not lose sight of the detrimental effect that eating too much fast food can have on our health. By understanding the effect that fast food has on our brain, we can better control our cravings and make more informed choices with our eating, and strive for a balanced diet.
Nadine Meggitt
Associate Nutritionist