Fat generates the same effect as marijuana

• May 2, 2024

The fact that we do not stop eating some kind of carbohydrate like cereals or potato chips, it does have a scientific explanation. The reason is that fats produce a natural chemical similar to marijuana that makes them irresistible.

The researchers Daniele Piomelli Y Nicholas DiPatrizio revealed in the magazine Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that the fats they generate a kind of addiction because, when they enter the body, they are generated endocannabinoids (chemical substances similar to cannabis produced by the body of animals and humans), while products rich in sugars and proteins, do not have the same effect.

"The process starts in the tongue, where the fats in the food generate a signal that travels to the brain and from there it reaches a bundle of nerves called the vagus nerve and into the intestines," Piomelli said.

Once there, the signal stimulates the production of endocannabinoids which indicate to the brain the compulsive need to eat high fat foods: "This is probably done by chemical stimulation related to the processes digestive , hunger and satiety, which forces the person to eat more, "said DiPatrizio.

For the specialist, there is an evolutionary need that involves consuming fats , those that are rare in nature, but crucial for the proper functioning of cells. However, in contemporary societies, fats are easily accessible and the innate drive to eat them leads to obesity , diabetes Y Cancer .

The information published on the portal Reforma.com , points out that with this finding it is possible to reverse this trend, by obstructing the activity of endocannabinoids and use drugs that block receptors.

Piomelli, said that if the signal of these chemicals does not reach the brain completely, then it can not generate effects of anxiety Y depression : "This is the first demonstration that the signals of the endocannabinoids in the intestine they play an important role in the amount of fat ingested. "

Do you consider yourself addicted to fats? What products do you crave the most?