Attack of the Killer Carbs!

Ever wonder why you're so often hungry for more not long after you eat a high-carb snack or meal?

New research may help explain it.

Scientists at Monash University identified key appetite control cells in the human brain. These cells are attacked after eating, but the attack is bigger and stronger following a meal rich in sugar and carbohydrates.

"The more carbs and sugars you eat, the more your appetite-control cells are damaged", said Zane Andrews, MD, the lead researcher on the study. The result? You eat more.

The forces that compel you to eat and the forces that tell the brain "hey, this dude is full!" are constantly at war. When your stomach is empty, it triggers the release of a hunger hormone called ghrelin. When you're full, a set of neurons known as POMC's kick in.

Free radicals normally created in the body attack both the "hunger" neurons and the "anti-hunger" neurons, but the "hunger" neurons are naturally protected. This tips the scale in the direction of hunger and cravings.

And carbs create the most damage of all.

According to Andrews, people in the age group of 25 to 50 are most at risk. "The neurons that tell people in that crucial age range not to overeat are being killed off".

Yet another reason to limit your sugar and processed carbs if you don't want to be the victim of constant cravings.