The Dr. Hyman Show What Makes Junk Food Addictive?
Feb 12, 2024
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Michael Moss, author of 'Salt, Sugar, Fat', and Calley Means, an expert on the intersection of money and junk food science, as they uncover the alarming tactics of the food industry. They discuss how junk food is engineered to boost addiction with specific combos of sugar, salt, and fat. Also explored are the industry's manipulative marketing aimed at children, the connection between diet and health, and the dangers of vegetable oils. It's a compelling look at how business interests overshadow public health.
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Food as Engineering Projects
- Food companies view their products as "engineering projects" designed to maximize consumption.
- Brain scans reveal that these foods stimulate the same reward centers as addictive drugs.
The Bliss Point and Sugar Addiction
- Howard Moskowitz, a food scientist, developed the "bliss point" concept for sugar in products.
- Food companies added sugar to previously non-sweet items, creating an expectation of sweetness in everything.
Intentional Craveability
- Food companies intentionally create craveable products to increase sales and profits.
- They may not intend to cause illness, but their products become treacherous when overconsumed due to their irresistible nature.