Did it occur to you, why is it that we reach for fatty foods when we’re feeling down? Could there be a scientific reason? Well, a new research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation suggests that fatty foods serve as ‘comfort’ foods and help lift our mood. Now this is exactly why people under constant stress become obese.
Dr. Lukas Van Oudenhove and his team from the University of Leuven, Belgium studied the emotional impact of fat when injected into the stomach, using MRI scans. The study involved 12 healthy-weight volunteers who were shown a series of sad and neutral images as well as they were made to listen to sad and neutral music. Their brain waves scanned during this study. Further, some of the volunteers were injected with fatty acids and rest were injected with saline into their stomachs, without being told which was which.The scientists found the music and expressions caused people’s moods to react similarly to sad or neutral images and music . But interestingly, the levels of sadness among those who consumed fatty acids were around 50 per cent lower compared to those who received saline. "Eating fat seems to make us less vulnerable to sad emotions, even if we don’t know we’re eating fat,” Oudenhove told HealthDay.
So next time, if you are feeling sad, depressed, stressed, you know that's a danger sign - do something to help your situation other than reaching out for ice creams, pizza, sugary, fried or fatty foods. Reaching out for food for comfort or calming oneself only gives a temporary feeling of satisfaction and but will make your weight soar. Overcome temptation, rid the weight and feel good for ever.
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