Kenyang's Stomach But Still Strong Eating Closing Dishes? This Is The Scientific Answer

Illustration of desserts (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Have you ever felt very full after eating big, but are you still tempted to see chocolate cake, ice cream, or taste in front of your eyes? You're not alone.

As it turns out, there is a scientific explanation as to why we almost always have a 'backup shirt' for desserts. But many feel full and still want sweet foods. As it turns out, the answer is in our brains.

A recent study published in the journal Science reveals that the brain has a big role in our desire for desserts. The researchers examined the behavior of mice who were given complete meals, then offered between additional bland foods or sweet desserts. The result? Rats that get sweet foods eat six times more calories.

Similar experiments were carried out on humans. Researchers give sweet drinks through tubes to a number of participants, then scan their brains using fMRI. This is a method of measuring oxygenous blood flow in the brain.

Apparently, the reaction of the human brain to sugar is very similar to the reaction of a mouse. What happens? In the brain, there is a group of neurons called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) which usually signals that we are full. But when the body is full, this neuron actually triggers the desire to consume sugar, not stop eating.

"This is proof that our desire for desserts is not just a matter of habit or taste, but also because of biological processes that occur in the brain," said the researcher in the report, quoted from the Reader's Digest page.

Apart from being a brain, the body also contributes. Dr. Mir Ali, a bariatric surgeon in California who was not involved in this study, explained that sugar has a special effect on the stomach.

"Gula actually makes the stomach more relaxed, so the capacity increases," said Dr. Ali.

That is, even though we feel full, the body can physically still accommodate desserts.

"This is a combination of physiological and psychological. We are used to mentally wanting sweet after eating, but there are also biological real changes that support that desire," said Dr. Ali.

The study in the journal Cell Metabolism (2019) shows that sugar can suppress signals of fullness and affect the dopamine system in the brain, making us want to continue eating.

Meanwhile, research in the journal Apette (2018) proves that many people can still eat desserts even though they refuse to add to the main food because they are full.

The bookFlavor-Associated Applications in Health and Wellness Food Products also states that foods high in sugar, fat, and salt can suppress signals of fullness, encouraging excessive consumption.

If you want to control yourself without having to really avoid dessert, here are some suggestions from Dr. Ali:

- Choose fruit that contains natural sugar and fiber, so that it is healthier and makes you full longer.

- Walk for a while. This can reduce the desire to eat and give the body time to feel full.

-Wait 10 minutes for the break. The desire to eat sweet is often lost after the body digests the main food.

- Drink tea or warm water. Give a signal to the brain that the meal is over.

- Brush your teeth. mint taste can suppress the desire to eat sweet.

- For desserts. Enjoy the sweet taste without overdoping.

- Choose homemade desserts. Avoid those that are too processed and the height of the additive substance.

- Sometimes you can still eat sweet. Dr. Ali mentioned the most important thing about controlling the portion.

So, next time you feel there is still room for dessert, remember it's not just because you are weak in temptation, but because the brain and body work together to create that space. The most important thing is to know the limits.