What if our desires for food depended on our memories? A recent study reveals that specific neurons in the hippocampus play a key role in the memorization of sweet and fatty foods, directly influencing our eating behaviors.
These discoveries, published in Nature Metabolismput in light an unknown brain mechanism. The researchers have identified neurons that encode memories related to food, thus shaping our choices and our consumption. These results could open new avenues to understand and treat theobesity.
Neurons specializing in food memory
In the hippocampus, a region of brain associated with memory, specific neurons encode memories linked to foods rich in sugar and fat. These neurons help locate and remember where these foods are, thus influencing the behavior of research food.
The experiences carried out have shown that when these neurons are disabled, mice eat less and gain less weight. At theinversetheir reactivation increases food consumption. These observations show that memory plays a direct role in the regulation fromappétit.
A link between memory and metabolism
The researchers discovered that these neurons not only store memories, but also influence the health metabolic. By inhibiting these cells, the mice are better resistant to the weight gaineven in the face of a diet rich in fats and sugars.
This discovery highlights an unexpected link between memory and metabolism. The neural systems involved in the memorization of foods could thus be potential targets to fight against obesity.
-Specific brain circuits
Neurons sensitive to sugar and fat act independently. Those who encode memories linked to sugar influence only the consumption of sugar, and vice versa for fats. This specificity reflects an evolutionary adaptation to distinguish sources of nutrients.
This separation suggests that the brain is finely set to combine specific foods with precise eating behaviors. This discovery could explain why certain regimes fail to control the desires.
Human health perspectives
These works open up promising perspectives for the treatment of obesity. By targeting food memory circuits, it may be possible to adjust the desires of food and reduce overconsumption.
Researchers are considering therapeutic applications to help individuals better control their diet. These discoveries could also shed light on public health policies in matters of prevention obesity.
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