University researchers have found a new hormone in the liver that could be the key to stopping sugar cravings, leading to healthier lives, according to Daily Mail. As the New Year comes around, resolutions to lose weight and lead healthier lifestyles are trending, but at the source of many dieter's pitfalls are insatiable cravings - one being that of sugar.
The University of Iowa has found the fibroblast growth factor 21 hormone in the liver, according to a press release. The FGF21 hormone travels to the brain and suppresses the craving for sugary foods. The study used mice to find the effectiveness of the hormone.
"This is the first liver-derived hormone we know that regulates sugar intake specifically," said Matthew Potthoff, co-senior author from the UI Carver College of Medicine. The research could help not only curb appetite, but also help those who are suffering from diabetes and struggling with obesity.
"We've known for a while that FGF21 can enhance insulin sensitivity," said Lucas BonDurant, doctoral student and co-first author. "Now, there's this dimension where FGF21 can help people who might not be able to sense when they've had enough sugar, which may contribute to diabetes."
Though FGF21 has different effects on simple sugar intake, the effects to do not tip over into carbohydrates.
