Colloquially, we speak about food being addictive, but people are being hyperbolic. While we know that caffeine in coffee and chocolate is addictive, would you have suspected pizza can also be addicting? New scientific research suggests there may be some truth to this. Researchers at the University of Michigan have delved into this topic and come up with an authoritative list of the most addictive food out there. The Addictive Foods Study |
A team lead by Erica Schulte and doctors, Ashley Gearhardt, and Nicole Avena, looked into this matter by conducting a two-part study. They asked 504 participants what foods out of a list of 35 items, caused the most problems psychologically. The first part of the study asked 120 students about their eating habits, using the Yale Food Addiction Scale. This in-depth questionnaire regarding food habits helped the researchers identify the problematic foods. |
After that they asked an additional 398 participants from the general population, similar questions, via paid surveys. The researchers then came up with a 7 point scale and aggregated the outcome, resulting in a list of the most and least addictive foods. |
What this means Both studies came to similarly fascinating conclusions. The research team found that the top scoring foods were foods such as pizza, chocolate, and french fries. While these foods aren’t much of a surprise, the reasons are shocking and unexpected. These foods tended to lead to physical discomfort, mental distress and addictive like behavior. This distinctive trend pointed to processed foods, high in added sugars, fats and composed of refined carbohydrates. |
The high scoring foods on the list usually lead to high glycemic levels, meaning people’s blood sugar levels are likely to rise as a result of eating such foods. Other research has suggested that behaviors and brain wiring are affected by this sort of food consumption, but these studies were conducted on animals. There is still much work needed to be done before it can be proven in human behavior. The researchers hope their study is the first step towards developing a diagnosis of addictive foods, to be used in the medical community. |
At present the DSM-5, the psychological diagnostic guidebook (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) only lists binge eating as a disorder. The hope is that the literature on addictive food continues to grow, and that food addiction can have preventative methods, like any other addiction, such as smoking. While I’m not suggesting you ditch all your favorite snack foods, it is good to be aware of what foods could be problematic. Having this list not only lets us know what foods to be careful with, but it also helps us be aware of why people around us might be acting out. |
These Couples Prove It's Easier to Lose Weight Together
Losing weight can be a challenge. But these couples prove that together, it's easy to lose weight.
14 of the World’s Most Unusual Addictions
People get addicted to the strangest things. From bee stings, to bleach baths, and eating dirt, here are the world's most bizarre addictions
10 Simple Ways to Significantly Reduce Your Carb Intake
Are you looking to lose some weight? Here are ten ways that you can significantly reduce your carb intake!
What Makes Opioid Addiction So Difficult to Fight?
Learn about the opioid crisis and why it's so difficult to stop it from famous historian and writer Mike Davis.
He Was Homeless, Addicted to Drugs, then a Cat Came Along
The unbelievable story of love between ex-addict James Bowen and the cat that adopted him, Bob
What a Dopamine Detox Is and How To Do It
In this video, we will see how one can perform a dopamine detox - a way to get off the dopamine habit.
The Health Benefits of Waking Up to Lemon Water
Lemon water is nutritious, here is why you should drink water with lemon every day.
This Diet Slows Down Hearing Loss
Certain diets can preserve and maintain good hearing while slowing hear loss.
Here’s Why You Should NEVER Snooze the Morning Alarm
A surprising reason why you feel groggy every morning lies in your habit of snoozing the alarm button. To learn why, watch this short video.
The Perfect Seated Core Workout for Seniors and Beginners
In this video, two physical therapy experts will guide you through a short seated core strengthening workout suitable for seniors and beginners.
Hemorrhoids: How to Treat Them the Natural Way
In this article you will find out what are the causes of the problem, what are its symptoms, how to alleviate it in natural ways as well as other ways to deal with its symptoms.
Doctor Tip: How to Prevent Ingrown Hair
In this insightful video, Dr. Adedeji shares her expertise on preventing ingrown hairs.
The Secrets to Getting More Oxygen in Your Cells
The best (and easiest) exercises for better breathing.
10 Recipes for Health Boosting, Natural Smoothies
Learn easy recipes for super-healthy smoothies you can whip out in no time.
Beat Spider Veins With These Efficient, Natural Tips
Do you suffer from spider veins? Take advice on how you can treat or avoid them without paying a penny!
4 Simple Exercises to Reduce Vertigo and Dizziness
If you are suffering from vertigo or unexplained dizziness, try these simple exercises to relieve the annoying and unbearable spinning sensation.
9 Foods That Will Protect Your Skin From the Sun
These 9 foods each contributes something to the fight between your skin and the harmful UV rays of the sun.
WARNING: Why You Should Stay Away From Star Fruit
Hear more about the star fruit, and why you too should avoid it to prevent the risk of brain damage.
Do You Really Need to Walk 10K Steps Every Day?
The 10,000 steps a day myth is ingrained in our minds. In this post, Harvard professor Dan Lieberman explains why it's not as black-and-white as it seems.
Learn Three Vagus Nerve Exercises for Anxiety Relief
In this video, you'll be shown three exercises of the vagus nerve to help mitigate anxiety and promote peacefulness.
How to Get Rid of Eye Floaters: Natural Remedies
A doctor explains how to get rid of eye floaters.
The 6 Best Artery-Cleansing Vitamins and Supplements
These vitamins and supplements will help keep your arteries clean.
What Drinking Whiskey Actually Does to Your Body
While we now know that whiskey isn't the cure-all medicine people once though it was, it does have a few proven health benefits.
3 Easy Exercises to Alleviate Light-Headedness
If you're feeling dizzy or out of balance, these three exercises will help alleviate your symptoms.
How to Unclog Your Ears? 5 Best Ways to Get Instant Relief
The next time your ears feel clogged, just try some of these tricks for instant relief.
In an Emergency, It's Crucial to Know Some CPR...
This guide will take you through the information you need to know to perform CPR. Let's hope you never need to use it.
WARNING: Who Shouldn't Consume Turmeric? Find Out Here
Discover more about who shouldn't consume turmeric or curcumin in this video:
9 Common Mistakes We Make When Giving First Aid
The 9 most common errors made when providing first aid for simple medical cases.
Is a Diet High in Fiber an Effective Anti-Inflammatory?
Fiber is an essential part of our diet, for more reasons than just bowel movement.
9 Effective Ways to Make Your Nausea Go Away
Nausea is that unpleasant feeling of discomfort inside your stomach, oftentimes leading to vomiting. Use one of these natural methods to stop it.
Is Calorie-Counting Just a Nutrition Theory Gone Wrong?
We've all been counting calories for decades in hopes to cut down on our waistlines, but it turns our that the calorie system might be wrong
MUST WATCH: Full-Body Chair Workout Guide for Seniors
This full chair workout for seniors covers every area of your body!
If You're Not Using Sunscreen, After This Video You Will
This fantastic video shows you how your skin looks in UV light, revealing future sun-damage to it.
If You Eat These 9 Fish Regularly, You Should Stop!
We are always told how fish is healthy, but there are actually some types of fish that'll do more harm than good. Here are nine of them!
Prevent and Treat a Hump Within a Month!
These exercises will make sure you don't develop a hump - or treat the one you have.
Gasp! 17 Surprising Facts About Your Lungs You Never Knew
Watch pulmonologist Dr. Ravi Kalhan answer some really interesting questions about our lungs.
HOW MUCH Exercise Do I Need to Burn Off These Foods?
Before you go for that takeaway, you should see how much exercise you will need to do to burn off those calories. This chart will show you.
10 Healing Scents That Can Do Wonders for Body and Mind
Smell evokes memories and happy memories but there’s more to scent than nostalgia. Smell offers many benefits for your body and mind.
Memory Not Working? The Answer May Be Hiding in Your Sleep
If you want to remember better, this lecture will tell you - The answer is in your sleep.
Having Leg Cramps at Night? Then You Need to Know This
Night leg cramps beyond annoying: they can interfere with sleep and life quality. Here's everything you need to know about night leg cramps.
Is Breakfast REALLY the Most Important Meal?
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day - truth or myth? Watch to find out what happens to your body when you stop eating breakfast for two weeks.
Try This Natural Drink to Detoxify and Cleanse Your Liver
This natural, easy-to-make drink can do wonders to your liver!
This Tasty Drink Will Help You Shed Those Extra Pounds
If you struggle to lose weight, this healthy and tasty drink could be the answer to your prayers!
How to Treat an Obstruction in Your Stomach
Did you know that you can naturally treat gastric obstructions by adding to organic ingredients to your diet?
Here's a Quick Guide to Instantly Clearing a Blocked Nose
Got a congested nose? Remember these priceless tricks and thank us later!
Every Senior Must Do These Simple Seated Exercises
Seniors will find this video extremely helpful.
The Symptoms of a Fatty Liver and How to Treat it!
Fatty deposits on your liver can seriously hinder its function. In this video, Dr. Berg explains the symptoms of a fatty liver and how to treat it.