October 04, 2024 06:21 PM IST
Swallowing food helps send messages to the brain. Which releases serotonin which makes us feel happy. However, it also makes us want to eat more.
Overeating may not be a problem with the taste buds – it’s something to do with the throat. According to a recent study led by Professor Michael Pankratz of the University of Bonn, the real reason we can’t stop after eating a pizza or a potato chip is that we like the feeling of swallowing. The study states that while the delicious taste and aroma of food can increase our cravings and motivate us to eat foods, swallowing is what motivates us to move forward.
Serotonin is a feel-good hormone that is released when we eat something we like. This gives us a feeling of happiness and accomplishment. Therefore, we keep eating to get a constant dose of feel-good hormones.
Also read: Overeating can affect your heart health. Here Are Tips to Manage Binge Eating Disorder
How does the brain know when to release serotonin?
The study revealed that there are special sensors in the esophagus – the food pipe that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. These sensors act as food reviewers and send messages to the brain about the food we have just eaten.
This study was conducted on fruit fly larvae. These tiny creatures have a simple nervous system of about 10,000 to 15,000 nerve cells. This made it an ideal miniature model to study this complex process. Dr. Andreas Schufs, lead author of the study, said in a media release that fruit fly larvae can detect whether it is their food or not. Therefore, they release serotonin only when good food is eaten – this motivates the larvae to continue eating.
Also read: What drives our brain to overeat; Research revealed
Michael Pankratz of the University of Bonn, who led the study, said that although the study was conducted on fruit fly larvae, the process is fundamental for humans as well. This study could help explore how food habits are formed – this could help understand eating disorders such as anorexia or binge eating.
Also read: Nutritionist shares tips on how to stop overeating
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
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