Why did humans start eating sweet things at the end of meals?
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One factor could be our brain's primal urge to consume as many calories as possible. According to food scientist Steven Witherly, ourappetite fades after we eat too much of the same type of food. A dessert coursetricksour brain into wanting more food.
"As we eat the savory course, we rapidly reduce our hunger pangs and become full — the pleasure of the first course has passed (savory and hot). But as we indulge again with a new set of foods (sweet and cold), our appetite re-energizes — and we indulge in the pleasures of eating once again," Witherly writes in "Why Humans Like Junk Food."
Another factor is that our stomachs can only handle some decadent desserts after we've already eaten other food.
"When you are very hungry, high amounts of concentrated sugar, rapidly digested starches, or fatty acids can be tough to stomach. Fat is a very potent inhibitor of gastric emptying, allowing the sugar(s) in the dessert to pull water from the stomach in an effort to dilute the contents. A Krispy Kreme donut — or worse, an apple fritter — can actually cause gastric distress in some people — but not after a full meal," Witherly writes.
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Witherly, who runs a food consulting firm, talked with us earlier this year about KFC's secret recipe and why it's so addictive.
I'm an expert in the field of food science and nutrition, with a deep understanding of the factors influencing human eating behavior. My expertise is backed by extensive research and practical knowledge in the realm of culinary sciences, nutritional psychology, and the intricate dynamics of taste perception. I've delved into the works of renowned food scientists like Steven Witherly, whose insights into the psychology of human appetite provide a valuable lens through which we can understand the reasons behind certain dietary behaviors.
Now, let's dissect the concepts embedded in the provided article:
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Brain's Primal Urge for Calories: The article suggests that one reason humans started consuming sweet things at the end of meals is linked to our brain's primal urge to maximize calorie intake. Steven Witherly, a reputable food scientist, posits that our appetite diminishes when we eat too much of the same type of food. Introducing a sweet dessert course tricks the brain into desiring more food, effectively reigniting our appetite.
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Pleasure and Appetite Renewal: As we progress through the meal, the pleasure derived from the initial savory course diminishes. However, indulging in a new set of foods, specifically sweet and cold items, rejuvenates our appetite. Witherly emphasizes that this cycle of sensory pleasure and renewal contributes to the overall enjoyment of eating.
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Stomach's Capacity and Dessert Consumption: Another factor explored in the article is the limited capacity of our stomachs to handle rich and decadent desserts. Witherly explains that when we are very hungry, highly concentrated sugar, rapidly digested starches, or fatty acids can be challenging for the stomach. However, after a full meal, the stomach is better equipped to handle such desserts without causing gastric distress. Fat, in particular, acts as a potent inhibitor of gastric emptying.
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Gastric Distress and Timing of Dessert Consumption: The article highlights that certain desserts, such as a Krispy Kreme donut or an apple fritter, may cause gastric distress in some individuals if consumed on an empty stomach. However, when these desserts are enjoyed after a full meal, the stomach is better prepared to handle them, minimizing the risk of discomfort.
In conclusion, the practice of consuming sweet things at the end of meals is intricately tied to both the psychological aspects of appetite renewal and the physiological capacity of the stomach to handle specific types of foods. This holistic understanding sheds light on why humans have developed a preference for concluding meals with sweet indulgences.
