Brains Learn to Crave Better Food

Your brain can learn to prefer healthful foods, according to a study published online in Nutrition & Diabetes. Researchers observed the section of the brain associated with reward functions in 13 overweight participants who were either part of a dietary intervention or part of a group who made no dietary changes. The intervention consisted of a low-calorie, low-glycemic diet with high-fiber fruits and vegetables.

While acquiring MRI images, researchers showed participants pictures of both low-calorie and high-calorie foods. Over time, those who followed the diet exhibited more brain pleasure for the low-calorie foods and less for the high-calorie foods and lost more weight, compared with the control group. This study is among the first to demonstrate alterations in food cravings and preferences.