Can't resist chocolate? Your brain might be hard-wired to crave it
- Some people enjoy sweet treats more than others because their brains' pleasure centres are sent into euphoria by them
- Other people's brains barely register the taste of sugary foods, meaning they don't get a buzz from them and can easily turn them down
It's the excuse that people with a sweet tooth have always wanted.
Scientists have discovered that some of us really are hard-wired to enjoy the taste of chocolate.
Italian researchers found these people enjoy sweet treats more than others because their brains’ pleasure centres are sent into euphoria by them.
Scientists discovered some people are hard-wired to enjoy chocolate, while others' brains aren't interested
In contrast, other people’s brains barely register the taste of an unhealthy treat, meaning it is easy for them to turn sweets down.
Researchers at the Institute of Clinical Physiology, in Pisa, studied the brain reactions of a group of people as chocolate was dropped into their mouths, The Telegraph reports.
Their reactions were also monitored as they were shown images of a chocolate cake.
The researchers found people’s brains react very differently to these stimuli.
Dr Patricia Iozzo told The Telegraph: ‘We noticed that in some patients the response was reduced. It seems they do experience less pleasure and the front part of the brain is less capable of controlling what is happening.
‘With some patients our theory has been validated. Some people need more stimulus for the same kind of brain activity.’
Some people enjoy sweet treats more than others because their brains' pleasure centres are sent into raptures by them
Previous studies have shown fatty and sugary foods can be as addictive as nicotine and heroin.
However, Dr Iozzo does not think there is anything in these foods which are addictive.
She told the paper: ‘There is not a specific substance in the food of most people who show addictive behaviour that can be held responsible.’
As a result, she believes food cannot be compared to other addictive substances.
Most watched News videos
- Moment US supplied missiles strike enemy in Putin's territory
- Moment Ukrainian drones strike Russian convoy in open field
- 'Barbaric' dog fighting gang jailed for running brutal ring
- Russian soldier says troops being MINCED in Ukraine 'bloodbath'
- Cyclist chased and attacked by two persistent crows in Dulwich
- The battle begins: PM says Starmer wants to 'raid your pensions'
- Hilarious moment Grant Shapps hangs up on reporter live on Sky News
- Rob Burrow calls best friend Kevin Sinfield his 'guardian angel'
- Tributes left at stadium in Leeds following the death of Rob Burrow
- Hilarious moment Grant Shapps hangs up on reporter live on Sky News
- CCTV shows interrogation of man behind brutal attack on homeless woman
- PM: Starmer will 'make it harder for people' by putting up taxes