Ever wondered why you crave kebabs late at night after a night of heavy drinking?
Scientists may have finally discovered the solution.
Alcohol, according to Australian experts, increases your body’s levels of a hormone that makes you seek protein.
The majority of the nearly 4,000 drinkers tested picked lean meats, fish, and nuts to satisfy their hunger.
However, one-third opted for “protein decoys,” such as the greasy kebab and chips that have become a mainstay of modern British nightlife.
Crisps, sausage rolls, and garlic bread are examples of additional calorie-laden snacks.
All of the items have an umami flavor, but are low in protein, hence the term.
When undoubtedly hungry, experts from the University of Sydney have encouraged all drinkers to stick to lean meats, chicken, fish, and beans.
Dr. Amanda Grech, the study’s lead author, advised, “Resist the impulse to munch on low-protein, savory snack items.”
This will ensure that your protein cravings are met without excessive energy consumption leading to weight gain.
Snack recommendations included a 40g portion of cheese, unsalted nuts, chickpeas, and vegetable sticks with a dip made from fresh ingredients, such as tzatziki or hummus.
She added, “Above all, be sure to adhere to the alcohol consumption guidelines, which pose health hazards beyond weight gain and obesity.
Health officials in the United Kingdom encourage Britons to consume no more than 14 units per week or around six pints of beer or ten small glasses of wine.
A long history of excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, liver disease, some malignancies, and dementia.
The study, which will be presented at the International Congress on Obesity in Melbourne, utilized information from 9,341 Australian people who participated in a 24-hour nutrition survey that monitored their drinking patterns and dietary preferences throughout the day.
Forty percent of the participating adults reported consuming alcohol that day.
The investigation revealed that persons who had taken alcohol devoured more savory items than those who had not.
Surprisingly, though, some drinkers consumed significantly more calories than others.
Two-thirds of drinkers opted for low-carbohydrate, high-protein items, such as lean meats, poultry, shellfish, nuts, and beans.
These drinkers consumed an average of 1,749 calories, around 577 calories less than the amount required for an adult to maintain weight. This includes calories from alcoholic beverages.
Those that consumed “protein decoys” absorbed an average of 3,051 calories, 813 more than the daily need.
Alcohol is known to stimulate hunger, especially for savory foods, a phenomenon known as the “aperitif effect,” according to Dr. Grech.
Alcohol consumption boosts the levels of FGF-21, a hormone that stimulates the hunger for protein while suppressing the sweet tooth.
Protein is also known to have a satiating effect.
