http://media.soundmedicine.org/segments/041413_3.mp3
In his latest book, Michael Moss explores the junk food industry and the reason processed foods are so addictive. According to Moss, the industry uses salt, sugar and fat in strategic ways that leave consumers wanting more. For instance, there’s a “bliss point” for the amount of sugar in a product. Once the bliss point has been reached, products that contain large amounts of sugar stimulate taste buds to crave more. He said fat is even more powerful because there is no bliss point and it packs twice as many calories. Salt is used as a cheap substitute for herbs and spices. It also masks the tastes created in food processing, often called “off notes.” Moss' work illustrates that when the three are combined, they create a perfect storm, and he suggests ways we can recognize and avoid them.