Engage Learning Magazine Tell Me Why | Page 3

Why we love junk food? The human body is designed to crave for energy-efficient food. Foods rich in carbohydrates, fats and proteins are mainly the source this energy. One of the other interesting food facts is that when we pick a meal for ourselves, we subconsciously look for the following characteristics in them: Fats, Carbohydrates, Proteins and Crunchiness. The reason why we look for the first three characteristics is because these elements are vital to our body and make food energy- efficient. Crunchiness is usually associated with freshness of a food. This idea has been planted in our minds and hardwired in our brain over a period of time. For example, going back to ancient times, humans consumed fruits and berries that provided with the necessary fats and carbs and protein was gained from meat. Crunchy fruits were usually characterized as fresh! Another well-known food fact is that junk food is rich in Sugar. Consumption of sugar or sweet foods, leads to the release of dopamine in the body. Usually, dopamine is released during pleasurable moments or situations. The secretion of this neurotransmitter, causes a person to seek out a desirable activity over and over again.