Researchers discover supplement that may make high-calorie foods less appealing

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Researchers Discover Supplement That May Make High-Calorie Foods Less Appealing
Researchers Discover Supplement That May Make High-Calorie Foods Less Appealing

Living in a world filled with delicious donuts, pies, and pizzas can make weight-control difficult, but recent research suggests there's an ingredient that could help.

The supplement is called inulin-propionate ester, and study conducted by personnel from the University of Glasgow and Imperial College London showed it may decrease one's desire for high calorie foods.

SEE ALSO: Calorie counts to hit U.S. menus in 2017

At the beginning of the experiment, each of the 20 participants was given a milkshake containing either inulin-propionate ester or just plain inulin, a fiber known to trigger the gut's production of propionate, a natural appetite inhibitor.

The brains of volunteers were then monitored as they viewed images of both high and low calorie foods.

Those who had taken milkshake with inulin-propionate ester showed comparatively lower activity in the brain's reward-center when pictures of more calorie-laden edibles appeared.

They also weren't as enthusiastic about actually eating them, consuming about 10% less than their inulin-only counterparts.

The team concluded that adding inulin-propionate ester to foods could be an effective means of preventing weight gain.

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