Thursday 20 October 2022 11:07 PM Alcohol increases hormone that makes us reach or savoury food trends now
Ever wondered why you always crave a cheeky late-night kebab after a heavy night of drinking?
Well, scientists might finally have come up with an answer.
Australian researchers say alcohol ups levels of a hormone in your body that makes you crave protein.
Most of the almost 4,000 drinkers studied chose to fill their desire with lean meats, fish and nuts.
But a third instead opted for 'protein decoys', which could include the greasy kebab and chips that's become a staple of a modern British night out.
Crisps, sausage rolls and garlic bread are other examples of the calorific snacks.
The foods all give the protein-like umami taste but are actually low in protein, hence the nickname.
University of Sydney researchers have now urged all drinkers to stick to lean meats, chicken, fish and legumes when they inevitably get hungry.
The so called 'aperitif effect' which causes people who drink alcohol to crave proteins could be leading weight gain by tricking people into eating savoury snacks
Lead author Dr Amanda Grech said: 'Avoid the urge to snack on low-protein, savoury snack foods.
'This will ensure your protein appetite is satisfied without over-consuming energy, leading to weight gain.'
Suggested snacks included a 40g serving of cheese, unsalted nuts, chickpeas, and vegetable sticks with a tzatziki or hummus dip made with fresh ingredients.
She added: 'Above all, be sure to stick within the guidelines for alcohol intake, which poses health risks other than weight gain and obesity.'
UK health chiefs advise Britons to drink no more than 14 units per week — around six pints of beer or 10 small glasses of wine.
Drinking too much alcohol for
