The Science Behind Not Resisting Sweets: Insights into Sensory-Specific Satiety
"It's an almost universal experience, at the table you literally feel sated after a good lunch or a succulent dinner. Despite this, when it comes to dessert, it seems like you always manage to find a little space. It's not just a question of gluttony, there are precise reasons behind this phenomenon, linked to very specific psychological and physiological mechanisms. First of all, it is not wrong to say that our brain loves sugar. The sweet taste is one of the first to be recognized and appreciated by newborns and this is also reflected in adulthood. However, it is not just the flavor that lights up our taste buds. Our response to sweet food is above all due to the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, chemicals in the brain that create a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction. So, despite being full, we feel the need to eat dessert also for biochemical reasons, to which is added a physiological mechanism known as "specific sensory enhancement". Basically, our body is programmed to look for variety in foods, to ensure we get a broad spectrum of nutrients. After a rich meal, the taste buds adapt to the flavors and their sensitivity decreases. But the introduction of a new taste, such as the sweet one after the savory flavors of the meal, awakens the taste buds and renews our perception of the pleasure of food. Furthermore, we often find ourselves eating sweets on special occasions, such as weddings, birthday parties or Christmas. This creates a positive association in our mind between eating sweets and a feeling of joy and festivity. When the opportunity to eat a dessert presents itself, our brain recognizes it as an opportunity to relive those moments of joy. Finally, there is an aspect of a purely psychological nature: it is self-moderation, or the tendency to limit the quantities of food we eat so as not to appear greedy or lacking in control. However, this type of restriction generates a boomerang effect: the feeling of having "saved" during the meal leaves us with the perception of still having "space" for dessert, giving rise to the famous statement "there is always room for dessert" . In conclusion, the tendency to always make room for dessert is not a simple passing whim but responds to complex logic, where physiological, neurological and psychological elements coexist. And while the pleasure of sweets is unquestionable, it is important to remember that sugar consumption should be moderate, respecting a balanced and healthy diet."
The theory of sensory-specific satiety
The theory of sensory-specific satiety is one of the most convincing explanations that science provides to explain why, despite being full, we manage to find that small space in our stomach for a portion of dessert. Essentially, sensory-specific satiety is related to how our bodies perceive satiety. Not all foods are the same, and since each of us has different tastes, each body will react differently to the various types of food ingested. This theory suggests that we become satiated – or full – with a certain flavor or type of food before others. Normally during a meal we eat savory dishes such as meat, fish, cheese, vegetables and so on. Our body registers satiety from these types of foods, giving us the sensation of being full. But when the proposal of a dessert arrives, a different type of food with a sweet taste, it is something new for our palate. Dessert introduces a different flavor into our mouth, which is not included in the "count" of satiety. As a result, our body feels that there is still room for sweets, despite the fact that we are full of salty food. This sensory-specific satiety theory plays a critical role in encouraging people to eat a variety of foods. It helps us ensure that we get a range of different nutrients from our food, rather than limiting ourselves to just one type of food. This satiety mechanism helps us achieve a balanced and varied diet. It is also interesting to note that sensory-specific satiety does not only apply to food, but also involves other senses such as smell and vision. You may have noticed that at the sight of a tasty dessert or the smell of melting chocolate, your craving for sweets can rekindle even though you are already full. However, although it is interesting to know this mechanism, it is important to pay attention to the amount of sweets we eat. We already know that an excess of sweets can lead to health problems, such as obesity and diabetes. So, while it is good to follow our desire for continuity and variety in foods, it is also important to make conscious and healthy food choices.
What another study says
Another study analyzing this phenomenon, published in the prestigious scientific journal 'Appetite', went further, confirming the previously mentioned theory and discovering other intriguing elements. According to this research, in fact, not only do our senses begin to respond negatively to a food we have eaten in excess, but some psychological mechanisms also intervene. A sort of mental 'recharge' occurs when a dessert or food different from the one we have just eaten in abundance is introduced, making it immediately more desirable and appetizing. As explained by the authors of the study, our brain is an extremely plastic organ and capable of quickly adapting to different situations. When we have consumed a large quantity of a certain food, the neurons that produce dopamine - the neurotransmitter associated with the sense of pleasure and reward - struggle to respond. The food becomes less attractive and, as mentioned, it also takes on a less appealing appearance and smell. The situation changes, however, when a different dessert or food comes into play. The change in gastronomic 'landscape' awakens the dopaminergic neurons, which return to 'working' at full speed. This explains why, even when we are full, we always manage to find some space for dessert. The same mechanics apply in front of a buffet. The variety of foods available keeps our level of interest high, stimulating the production of dopamine and leading us to consume more food than usual. This phenomenon is known as the 'buffet effect' and can have important implications in the field of nutrition education and the fight against obesity. So, the next time you find yourself saying 'there's always room for dessert', know that it's not just a question of greed, but there's a very specific neurological mechanism behind it. Knowing this can help us better manage our eating habits, making more conscious and healthy choices.
