The Secret Behind the Tanghulu Craze Revealed... "Addictiveness Comparable to Alcohol and Cigarettes"

Joint Study by the US and Two Other Countries
14% of Adults and 12% of Adolescents Suffer from Food Addiction

Recent research has revealed that ultra-processed foods, exemplified by Tanghulu, which has become wildly popular among teenagers, possess an addictive potential comparable to alcohol and tobacco.

A joint research team from the United States, Spain, and Brazil, including Professor Ashley Gearhardt from the Department of Psychology at the University of Michigan, conducted a meta-analysis of 281 studies from 36 countries. They found that 14% of adults and 12% of adolescents exhibit symptoms of food addiction, with the majority of addictive targets being ultra-processed foods.

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPF) refer to foods made by processing ingredients and adding additives such as flavorings, artificial sweeteners, and colorants. Besides Tanghulu, representative examples include carbonated drinks, macarons, ice cream, frozen convenience foods, and sausages.

Tanghulu
Photo by Yonhap News

The research team defined addiction based on reduced control over food intake, withdrawal symptoms, obesity, and binge eating disorder. The 14% addiction rate to ultra-processed foods among adults is equivalent to that of alcohol (14%) and slightly lower than tobacco (18%). However, the team expressed concern, stating, "It is unprecedented for adolescents to be this addicted to a specific target."

The reason ultra-processed foods cause addiction is that their consumption triggers a rapid increase in dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain, temporarily improving mood. Like alcohol and tobacco, ultra-processed foods induce addictive symptoms that drive the craving for dopamine rewards. This leads to increased and more frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods. However, unlike alcohol and tobacco, where the addictive substances are clearly identified as ethanol and nicotine, the specific substances causing addiction to ultra-processed foods have not yet been definitively identified. The research team suggested, "It is unlikely that a single substance such as high-fructose corn syrup or fat causes ultra-processed food addiction," and proposed that "interactions among unknown components may be involved."

The team diagnosed individuals who frequently consume ultra-processed foods high in refined carbohydrates and fats with 'substance use disorder.' Substance use disorder is a type of mental disorder characterized by a behavioral pattern of continued use despite problems caused by a specific substance.

Professor Gearhardt stated, "Consistent evidence is emerging regarding the link between certain ultra-processed foods and addiction," and proposed that "defining ultra-processed foods as strongly addictive substances would help address global health issues and reduce risks associated with ultra-processed food addiction."

The findings of this study were published in the latest issue of the British Medical Journal (BMJ).

The British daily newspaper The Guardian reported, "Recent studies show that ultra-processed foods increase the risk of cancer, heart disease, and obesity, as well as being linked to depression," adding, "However, worldwide consumption of ultra-processed foods is increasing, accounting for more than half of the average diet in the UK and the US."

Tanghulu is a traditional Chinese dessert made by coating fruits with sugar syrup. The sugar content in one Tanghulu ranges from 10 to 25 grams, meaning that eating just two skewers reaches the recommended daily sugar intake of 50 grams for adults. The calorie content of Tanghulu is approximately 70 to 100 kcal per 100 grams.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.