Drinks without sugar can cause food cravings

Scientists at the University of Sydney have just published a new study showing that sugar-free drinks can make people eat more because their bodies "crave" the cut-off portion of calories.

In this study, scientists fed a fruit fly and a mouse using a sugar substitute, which resulted in them eating 30% more than normal.

Artificial sweeteners stimulate hyperactivity, insomnia, and reduce sleep quality.

Diets and diets are responsible for reducing calorie intake, but they do not fully activate the reward center (reward center) in the brain - the part responsible for the feelings. full and satisfied. According to the team, the brain will be "confused" when it does not feel the sweetness associated with calories, thereby stimulating hunger.

The study was only tested on sucralose, the sweetener in Pepsi One drinking water, but they suggested that the same effect also occurred on other artificial sweeteners such as those found in Diet Coke drinks.

Associate Professor Greg Neely, head of the research team, said: "When systematically studying this effect, we found that in the reward center of the brain, sweet feeling is associated with energy content. "When the ratio between sweetness and energy is imbalanced for a while, the brain will assume that this diet is not enough energy, so make adjustments and increase the total calorie consumption."

Many people now use artificial sweeteners as a way to combat obesity, but they still do not fully understand the effects of these substances on the brain as well as for regulating sensations. hungry. The team also found artificial sweeteners stimulated hyperactivity, insomnia, and decreased sleep quality.