We know from childhood that it is better to stay away from drugs. They cause addiction. But many people do not know that drugs are far from the only thing that can cause addiction. The most common products for us can also cause unhealthy addiction. They act on the body as chemical and narcotic substances.
As a result, we become physically and psychologically dependent on certain foods that we continue to eat every day. Indeed, sometimes our hand itself reaches for a jar of soda or crispy chips. TheBiggest presents you ten products that can become addictive, sometimes as addictive as drugs.
1
Biscuits
Eating large amounts of cookies can be a habit, but it can also be the result of addiction. Professor Jamie Honohan of Connecticut College, in one of his studies, injected rats into groups of morphine, cocaine and simple saline. He then placed the animals in a simple maze, at two exits, which had Oreo cookies and a simple rice cake.
After observing, he noticed that all the rats moved into the area with cookies. Animals gladly ate cream filling. However, they were very excited.
After the test, the professor checked the proteins and brain of animals for the content of various substances. He found that the area of the brain, which is known as the “pleasure center,” was very agitated in rats after eating cookies. This effect was comparable to the effect of drugs.
2
Ice cream
Ice cream affects the area of the brain that is affected by drugs. To get the effect of excitement, you will need to eat a large portion of ice cream. Stopping eating ice cream falls into the same depression as drug addicts.
Eric Stis and Kyle Burger from the Oregon Institute studied the effects of ice cream on the human brain. 150 adolescents were selected. They were shown an ice cream roller to measure their cravings before they get real ice cream.
As a result, it was noticed that adolescents who ate a lot of ice cream before did not react strongly to the product. They needed more ice cream to get the pleasure effect. In adolescents who did not drink ice cream for some time, the reaction was completely different. They increased activity and excitability, which was the result of exposure to the pleasure center.
3
Meat
The meat contains animal protein and fats, which are necessary for humans. For people living in harsh climates, eating meat is even vital. But along with the need, it can be addictive.
The meat contains hypoxanthine. The effect of this substance is comparable to that of caffeine. It calms us and makes us feel satisfied. People crave meat if they haven’t eaten it for a long time. In stale meat, the content of hypoxanthine is even higher. Maybe that's why many lovers of steaks prefer "ripened" meat.
The meat contains other substances that can cause addiction. These are innosine and guanyl acid. Their effect is similar to hypoxanthine. Everything is compounded by the fact that addicted to these substances, you will need to eat more meat each time in order to get satisfaction.
4
Wheat
It may sound paradoxical, but wheat is an addictive food. Many simply do not notice it. Wheat contains a large amount of gluten. Many manufacturers write on gluten-free packaging, which is just an advertising move. However, with or without gluten, eating large quantities of wheat is not recommended.
The fact is that in our time wheat is not at all the same. Modern cultures are largely genetically modified products. Wheat can safely be called a mutant. It contains a large amount of starch, gluten and proteins.
They break down into polypeptides that simply attach to receptors in the brain. Polypeptides also enter the bloodstream. Now such substances are called glutenomorphins. The name is derived from the words "gluten" and "morphine."
Wheat addicts love to enjoy sweet wheat products, cakes, rolls and other pastries. Wheat addiction is even treated along with narcotic, using drugs such as naloxone, which is used in the treatment of drug addiction. In addition to dependence, the use of wheat can cause obesity, cancer, diseases of the cardiovascular system and other disorders.
5
Cheese
Cheese is also a food that captures us. It is an ingredient in many unhealthy foods, such as pizza or a cheeseburger. Maybe that's why we love them so much. Cheese contains casomorphins and opiate casein molecules.
Casomorphins are a product of casein. The action of these substances is similar to the action of morphine. They act on certain receptors in the brain, producing dopamine. So do the drugs.
6
Sugar
Sugar can be beneficial, and can be extremely harmful. It all depends on the amount of its use. Sugar is also addictive. Scientists from the University of Queensland have found that sugar also affects the body like cocaine. Caffeine stimulates the work of B-dopamine receptors, and causes adrenal-like effects due to the blocking of adenosine.
A sugar addict gets less dopamine each time compared to sugar consumed. This makes him eat more sugar-containing foods. From a lack of dopamine, a sugar addict is also depressed, like a regular addict who has not received the drug.
Dr. James Dinicolantonio conducted research on rats. First they were given cocaine and then sugar. Rats immediately switched to sugar, getting the same effect. Dependence on sugar is also shown by the fact that doctors recommend taking the medicine varenicline, which is used mainly for quitting smoking as a substitute for nicotine. But TheBiggest does not recommend you take this medication because of its negative side effects.
Many scientists nevertheless agree that sugar dependence is more behavioral than psychological. We just like delicious and sweet foods. Remember that consuming large amounts of sugar can cause many health problems.
7
Coffee
The amount of coffee consumed in the United States exceeds its amount consumed in any other country in the world. Every day, an average American drinks three cups of coffee per day. This is not counting other harmful products such as soda and energy. This may be the result of caffeine addiction.
Caffeine contained in coffee was recognized as the most widespread drug in the world. Its use also causes the release of dopamine into the blood. It makes you feel satisfied, as after taking drugs. It was found that caffeine is a real addiction.
8
Carbonated drinks
Some people cannot live without a can of Coca-Cola and Pepsi, as these drinks also contain caffeine. It is addictive to these products. Even without the use of coffee, you still get caffeine through such products.
Caffeine enters the bloodstream and disrupts the action of adenosine receptors. They slow down nerve cells in the brain to be calm. Receptors do not block nerve cells, which leads to the release of adrenaline and dopamine. So the body acts at the time of danger or fear. Realizing that there is no danger, the body again blocks the cells, so you need to drink even more drink in order to get an imaginary charge of vigor. In addition to caffeine, such carbonated drinks contain many other harmful substances, such as sugar, phosphoric acid, caramel, and others.
In a simple can of Coca-Cola, 10 tablespoons of sugar are dissolved. Such a dose is comparable to a bomb explosion. As a result, it causes diabetes and other problems. To digest phosphoric acid, our body uses calcium phosphate, which it takes from bones. In other words, Coca-Cola gradually leaches calcium, making our bones brittle.
9
Potato chips
If we opened the bag with chips, then stop eating them is very difficult. Unable to stop. Why is this happening? Of course, the potato itself is not addictive, but supplements - yes. Manufacturers abundantly supply chips with a variety of flavor and aroma enhancers to suit our receptors. The brain takes pleasure in such bright tastes, which, in fact, are just a dummy.
The effect of chips can also be compared with the effect of drugs for our body. Dr. Tony Goldstone of the University of London conducted a study that showed that the image of chips has an exciting effect on parts of the brain that stimulate drug addicts and alcoholics.
We advise you to read: 10 facts about food and beverage manufacturers that conquered the whole world.
10
Chocolate
Chocolate also excites our receptors and is an addictive product. It contains various substances, including sugar and caffeine. Enkephalin and theobromine contained in chocolate have a stimulating effect, causing the expansion of blood vessels and a drop in pressure. This creates the effect of relaxation and satisfaction. Eating real chocolate is not so bad, but you need to do it in moderation.
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Conclusion
Our list of common products that can be addictive, similar to drug addiction, has come to an end and has come to an end. What other products, in your opinion, are highly addictive? TheBiggest will be happy to read your comments.
Author: Altenko Sergey