Dietary choices and preferences are heavily dependent on the complex biological structure of individuals. Complex biological, neuro-chemical, and physiological mechanisms determine hunger, appetite, and taste. Our biological determinants include hunger, appetite, taste, allergies and intolerances to certain foods.
Satiety
We need energy to survive and therefore our hunger and satiety responses are powerful signals for us to eat and store food. The type of food influences our hunger and satiety. Complex carbohydrates, proteins, and fats all have different satiety signaling strengths.
For example, high portions of proteins and complex carbs inspire high-satiety responses, whereas fat has the lowest response.
This means that most people end up eating more high-fat, high-calorie foods before the brain and stomach connect to report that enough calories have been consumed:
On the other hand, foods that are high in protein and fiber tend to feel fuller, making them highly beneficial for balanced weight management:
Food satiety signaling is a bit complex and influenced by cognitive, sensory and physiological responses via a number of mechanisms:
Palatability
Other factors affecting the response of the satiety signal include palatability and pace of eating. The pleasure someone experiences when eating a particular food is what's known as palatability. Palatability is influenced by the texture, taste, smell and appearance of foods. As far as the pace of eating, slower paced eating is associated with improved satiety in people with normal weight as well in overweight and obese people. Slow-paced eating can be beneficial to curb hunger and increase sensation of fullness.
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