We are told enough on TV: for our health, do not eat too fat, too sweet , too salty, or do not forget to consume 5 fruits and vegetables a day ... All the opposite of what we really like. But whose fault is it? To that of our brain! Indeed, it is he who would fail us in front of the least square of chocolate, a pizza covered with dripping cheese and ice cream topped with strawberry sauce.

A normal reaction, which concerns us all (or almost). And that's the science that says it!

A reward for our brains

In a recent study, published June 14, 2018 in the scientific journal Cell Metabolism *, researchers have shown that fat and carbohydrates in our food work as a reward system for our brain.

The tests were conducted on 206 adults, whose brains were "analyzed" when they saw pictures of burgers and other donuts. At this point, the brain is struggling to give up the call of "junk food". Why ? Because he is accustomed to estimate energy and caloric intake of meals to regulate our food intake. Problem: In front of this type of food, it overestimates their value when the two nutrients (lipids and carbohydrates) are combined explains Dana Small, professor of psychology and psychiatry at Yale University in the United States, to Eurekalert magazine. A reaction that explains our propensity to want to jump on it.

Love for fat and carbohydrates may also be reflected in its low or sometimes absent presence in some "healthier and more" natural foods. "Only breast milk holds these properties, and babies also consider it a reward as they learn to feed.

Fat and sugar: deleterious effects on health

What our taste buds love above all, unfortunately, our body supports it less. Soft drinks, sweets, kebabs and other cute sins are stuffed with oils, salts, sugars, additives, or preservatives; and therefore do not bring him the fiber he needs to be healthy (it would be too good and easy if not).

Be careful not to abuse, to avoid overweight or obesity , or Nash disease . We reserve these pleasures taste (in reasonable quantities) to exceptional events, but it is not especially a food habit!

* www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/abstract/S1550-4131(18)30325-5