Nutritional Psychology

 What Makes Us Like or Dislike Specific Foods? Have you ever wondered why some foods seem irresistible while others fail to appeal to you? Although taste is an obvious factor, researchers have been exploring whether other characteristics, such as energy density, food processing, and the balance of carbohydrates and fat , also influence how much we like and want to eat certain foods. A 2024 study published in Appetite examined these factors to better understand the psychological processes involved in food liking and food reward . What Makes Certain Foods More Appealing? Previous research has suggested that ultraprocessed foods may contribute to overeating because some of their characteristics can strongly activate the brain's reward system. Other research has found that foods containing both carbohydrates and fat may produce particularly strong reward responses. However, it remains unclear which characteristics of food are most important in determining how much people like and...

Gut Microbiota and Alzheimer’s Disease: What Research Shows The relationship between the gut microbiota and Alzheimer’s disease is an emerging area of nutritional psychology research. A study published in Brain investigated whether gut microorganisms from people with Alzheimer’s disease could influence cognitive function and brain processes in healthy rats. The Gut-Brain Connection The gut contains trillions of microorganisms that interact with the foods we eat and help produce compounds that can affect the body. For example, gut bacteria can ferment resistant starches and dietary fiber to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) , which can be used by the body and may contribute to health. These interactions are part of the microbiota-gut-brain axis (MGBA) , a bidirectional communication system connecting the gut microbiota and the brain. This system involves signaling molecules such as cortisol, SCFAs, and tryptophan and is linked to physiological and psychological processes, includ...

 Highly Processed Foods May Play a Key Role in Binge-Eating Episodes A 2026 review published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders examined the types of foods people consume during binge-eating episodes . Researchers analyzed 41 published studies involving 404 individual food items to determine whether highly processed foods are more common during these episodes. What Is Binge Eating? Binge eating occurs when a person consumes an unusually large amount of food in a short period while feeling a loss of control over their eating. People may eat rapidly, continue eating despite feeling full, or eat even when they are not physically hungry. Although an occasional binge-eating episode does not necessarily indicate an eating disorder, frequent episodes may be a sign of binge-eating disorder (BED) . Key Findings The review found a strong connection between binge eating and highly processed foods: 100% of the studies reported at least one highly processed food con...