AARHUS, DENMARK — New research from the journal Scientific Reports has found that sugar has the ability to transform our brain chemistry.<br /><br />Scientists from Denmark's Aarhus University performed their experiment on seven pigs to test out their theory. These pigs were fed two liters of sugar water on a daily basis over a 12-day period.<br /><br />The pigs' brains were imaged using a brain scanner prior to the experiment, after the first day of the experiment and after the last day of the experiment.<br /><br />Researchers found significant changes in the pigs' brains' dopamine and opioid systems.<br /><br />Michael Witherdahl, one the researchers involved in the study, said in a Aarhus University press release that the pigs' opioid system, which is associated with well-being and pleasure, had been activated after the pig's first sugar intake.<br /><br />Witherdahl explained both natural stimuli and artificial stimuli have the ability to activate the brain to release dopamine and opioids.<br /><br />He said humans may end up replacing natural stimuli, such as socializing, with artificial stimuli, such as sugar, in order to get a rush of dopamine and opioids to the brain.<br /><br />As part of the bigger picture, the study was looking to see how palatable food, such as sugar, is addicting and how it affects the human body.
