Dessert after meals is not only about satisfying our taste buds but also related to our body and brain. Eating an appropriate amount of dessert after meals can boost our happiness, but excessive sugar intake affects health and increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. Moreover, stress, lack of sleep, unbalanced nutrition, and deficiency of certain minerals can also increase our craving for sweets. So, what chemical reactions happen between desserts and our body?
The Body’s Reaction to Desserts
When sugar enters the body, it stimulates the brain to release the "happy hormone" dopamine, making us feel pleasure. Additionally, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the forebrain release β-endorphins, enhancing the attraction to desserts. This dual effect signals the brain that dessert is a reward, causing us to want sweets even when full.
The Stomach and Satiety
Our stomach can adjust its size based on the amount of food, showing strong elasticity. Sugar relaxes the stomach muscles, creating the illusion that there is still space for dessert even after feeling full—this is known as the “dessert stomach.” Also, switching from the main meal to a new sweet flavor can suddenly stimulate appetite.
Stress and Sleep Issues
Stress and lack of sleep increase our sugar cravings. Elevated cortisol causes blood sugar fluctuations, and the body seeks sweet energy to combat stress and fatigue.
Unbalanced Diet and Nutrition
Deficiencies in minerals like iron, zinc, chromium, and magnesium make us feel tired and weak. Coupled with excessive carbohydrate intake and lack of protein and fat, blood sugar becomes more unstable, increasing the body’s desire for sweets to replenish energy.
Since we cannot eliminate our desire for sweets, we should learn how to enjoy desserts healthily!
Desserts promote serotonin secretion, bringing us pleasure. Therefore, consuming adequate protein and dietary fiber during main meals and eating moderate amounts of healthier desserts after meals can slow sugar absorption, reduce blood sugar fluctuations, and enhance happiness.
Our craving for desserts is influenced by the brain’s reward system, stomach sensations, and lifestyle factors. By maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and choosing healthier desserts, we can enjoy the happiness desserts bring while keeping our bodies healthy and avoiding excessive sugar intake that increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.