At lunch time, the body is often lacking in protein. Therefore, the brain “notifies” this need to a person. But to replenish body fat, sweets can be a good addition.
A study published in Nature found that the brain’s processing of sensory information depends on the state of the animal’s body. That is, whether the animal is pregnant, whether there is a deficiency of certain nutrients.
A team of scientists led by Carlos Ribeiro, principal investigator of the Champalimo Foundation in Portugal, studied the brain of a fruit fly. They paid particular attention to a special area – the SEZ (subesophageal region). This part of the brain is responsible for food selection.
Based on the results of the study, the experts compiled a brain atlas or an appetite map. It consists of 81 areas covering the entire subesophageal region. Many of these areas were previously known, but there are new ones. For example, a banana-shaped area stands out (takes data from taste neurons in a fly’s proboscis), Borbolet’s area (plays an important role in stimulating the desire to eat protein foods).
In addition, it turned out that in both pregnant women and those deprived of protein, the motor areas of the subesophageal region work more actively than others. This means that both have great protein needs.
News cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
