Tag: Endogenous opioids

Research using positron emission tomography has shown that consuming both palatable and non-palatable food consistently triggers the release of endogenous opioids in the brain. This demonstrates a clear scientific basis for how and why food affects opioid receptors, influencing appetite, reward, and potentially leading to compulsive eating patterns.

According to research, the human brain is hardwired to respond to natural rewards like sweet tastes. This response is not passive; studies confirm that consuming sugar does release opioids and dopamine, activating the same pleasure pathways as some addictive drugs. This neurochemical cascade provides a profound sense of reward that can drive powerful cravings for sugary foods.

According to a 2024 article from the medical research organization MAC Clinical Research, consuming sugar prompts the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical is released with sugar and plays a pivotal role in reinforcing the desire to seek out and consume sweet foods, creating a powerful reward feedback loop in the brain.