Have you ever found yourself eating an entire bag of chocolate candies or reaching for yet another cupcake, even though you are full?
Science may have an answer for this compulsion sugar is addictive. A new study found evidence in rats that bingeing on sugar may affect the brain in a similar way to taking drugs.
The findings, presented at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacologys annual meeting, reveal that the rodents brains reacts to sugar water in a similar way to substances such as heroin and cocaine.
After limiting the rats food intake each night for three weeks, they were given a breakfast of sugar which released a surge of dopamine, a brain chemical that has been noted in addiction.
Another trial gave the animals a diet of sugar, then denied them for a few weeks. When they were offered sugar again, they tended to binge on it, consuming more than they had previously.
“These animals show signs of withdrawal and even long-lasting aftereffects that might resemble craving,” said Bart Hoebel in a telephone briefing, according to Reuters.
Many health experts have criticized the Western diet for encouraging overeating and excess consumption of sugar which has driven some people to turn to herbal supplements and a natural diet to maintain their health.