You don’t need to be the health nut in your biology class to know that high-fat, high-sugar foods are both unhealthy and hard to resist. But what you probably didn’t know is that junk foods stimulate the brain in the same way that drugs do…and Oreos are some of the most dangerous culprits.
If you’ve ever found yourself desperately craving this classic snack after class, you’re not alone. Turns out that “Milk’s Favorite Cookie” is as addictive as crack.
According to a Connecticut College Study, Oreos activate the same pleasure receptors in the brain as highly addictive drugs, like cocaine and morphine. During the study, lab rats had the same reactions to the cream filling as they did to cocaine, and actually gravitated more towards the Oreos than they did to the illegal drugs.
Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica
What’s worse is that more pleasure receptors in the brain were activated when the animals ingested Oreos versus when they were high, which means Oreos actually make us happier and higher than crack. So yeah, these cookies are some frightening business.
Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica
Though this may seem surprising, a recent Spoon U article highlights the war on sugar that scientists are battling nationwide. The addictive qualities in fatty, sugary foods like Oreos and some other snack favorites, like Cheetos and Pop Tarts, are contributors to the obesity epidemic in America.
Photo by Leandra Caprini-Rosica
Think that eliminating Oreos and other well-known sugar culprits is the solution to your sugar overload? Think again. This Spoon U article revealed that a dangerous amount of sugar is hiding in our other “healthy” everyday faves. Sorry, Luna Bars and Vitamin Water.
Desperate to beat your addiction and reduce your sugar intake? Check out these sugar- avoiding suggestions.