Selcitra

A study released in the United States Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences claims that tasty high fat “comfort foods” have a calming effect on the brains of chronically stressed rats. The researchers speculate that people may also be tempted to snack on chocolate cake and French fries in an effort to self- medicate.
Both rats and humans have similar stress- response systems, designed to create a state of hypervigilance and muster the quick energy needed for defensive actions. While this system normally shuts down when the threat is gone, constant high stress can override the shut- off system. In rats, symptoms of chronic stress include frantic wheel- running, compulsive eating, and a preference for high- fat foods.