The most delicious foods for humans are those that contain the same amount of fat and carbohydrates. In addition, the high calorie content of food does not make it more attractive, contrary to expectations. Scientists from the University of Bristol (UK) came to these conclusions. Research results published In Appetite magazine.
224 people participated in the research. Scientists tried to find out what is the most important parameter when choosing food – calorie content, degree of processing or ratio of fats and carbohydrates. They divided the subjects into three groups. Participants in the first had to choose between unprocessed, minimally processed, processed and ultra-processed foods. Examples of products of the first type are fruits and vegetables, the second are mushrooms, the third are various canned goods, the fourth are fast food and ice cream.
Volunteers from the second group chose between fatty, carbohydrate-rich foods and foods containing equal amounts of these nutrients. The third group determined which food was more appealing to them: low-calorie, medium-calorie, high-calorie, or high-calorie. The scientists showed pictures of dishes on a screen and asked participants to answer what they preferred to eat.
The results showed that people found foods containing equal amounts of carbohydrates and fat to be the most palatable. Contrary to expectations, ultra-processed and processed foods were not among the most desired. Additionally, high calorie content was not a factor affecting food choice.
Scientists hope that their research will contribute to the development of new effective nutritional strategies in the fight against obesity.
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