A new study published in Obesity Reviews examines how alcohol can affect appetite.
According to the researchers, alcohol appears to activate the hormone FGF21, which is linked to the body's need for protein.
When this hormone is activated, the body may begin seeking foods with salty and savory flavors.
This could explain why some people crave chips, pizza, or French fries after drinking alcohol.
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Snacks trick the body
The researchers explain that the body normally associates certain salty flavors with protein-rich foods such as meat.
However, many modern snacks have similar flavors while containing very little protein.
As a result, the body may continue to seek food even after a person has already eaten.
In this way, alcohol may contribute to a higher intake of highly processed snack foods.
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Study of 12,000 people
The study is based on dietary data from more than 12,000 participants in an Australian health survey.
Around 35 percent of participants had consumed alcohol on the day their dietary intake was recorded.
The results showed that participants ate more salty foods on days when they drank alcohol. At the same time, they consumed fewer sweet foods.
The more alcohol they drank, the greater their intake of salty foods.
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The researchers recommend protein-rich snacks such as roasted chickpeas, smoked salmon, lean meat, shrimp, or oysters for those who want to reduce the risk of overeating processed snacks while still meeting their nutritional needs.
Sources: HealthDay and Obesity Reviews.
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