What is the actual reason behind most people loving unhealthy food more than healthy ones?
Why does almost every other person prefer pizzas over chapatis, burgers over boerewors and ice creams over fruits? There is definitely a reason behind it.
These are some scientific reasons behind our liking certain foods and abhorring some others.
What we grow up believing
A lot of us believe that healthy and nutritious foods cannot be tasty and delicious! People don’t like eating healthy food like fruit and veggies as they did not like it as kids. Good news! You aren’t 5 anymore. Don’t let these old beliefs stop you from trying healthy food! Did you know your taste buds change every 5-6 years and that it takes up to 10-12 tries before you develop a taste for certain foods? We know junk food is tastier, but healthier versions can be made with it being tasty!
Having insufficient sleep
A lot of people view sleep as a sign of weakness. Research shows that sleeping less than required, leads to more cravings- and unhealthy foods. A recent study which analysed brain activity and compared those who sleep 9 hours v/s 4 hours, found those who slept less the areas associated with pleasure lit up more when subjects viewed pictures of ice cream, and pizza compared to veggies and yogurt. “Sleep deprivation adversely affects all systems in our body, leading to an increased craving for comfort, whether it’s from a warm hug or junk food.”
Too much stress
In a stressful situation our body releases a stress hormone known as “Cortisol”. Fats and sugars have been scientifically proven to make one feel better and give comfort. As a result, our body ends up craving more of such foods. A study backed this up by concluding: Sugar seems to lower cortisol and quiet stress signals in the brain.
Eating too quickly
Ever wondered why everyone says to chew your food 32 times before you swallow? Well, 32 is a far-fetched number, because nowadays people aim to finish their entire meals within a span of 5-10 mins! (That’s how busy our life and schedule have become) It’s time we all reconsider this habit now. Eating too quickly can create miscommunication between the gut and the brain, whereby signals of satiety to the brain can be missed leading to over-eating.
Hormonal imbalances
Be it your monthly menstrual periods or when a lady is pregnant, hormones in your body can create complete chaos. Namely, hormones like Leptin and Serotonin which are involved in the coordination between your gut and brain can lead to super strong cravings at weird hours.
Insufficient water & protein intake
Many times thirst signals are misinterpreted as hunger signals by our minds. If we don’t drink enough water or our meals lack protein, these hunger pangs will make us reach out for all the unhealthy junk food lying around the house.
Nutrient deficiencies
An underlying nutrient deficiency can also lead to cravings for specific foods. Such as, magnesium deficiency causes you to crave chocolates, nuts, or beans. Sugar drops or deficiency of chromium or phosphorus can lead to sugar cravings. Similarly, a basic sodium deficiency will make you crave salty foods like chips.
Friends/ family/ colleagues
It’s pretty natural, when one person starts to crave some junk and he voices it out, the other person starts craving it too. Both of them then together enjoy their meal with good company. Did you know- “PICA” is a condition in which people crave nonfood items, such as chalk, dirt, coins, and ice chips?
