Vanilla Fragrance: The Secret Tip Against Cravings

According to British researchers, the scent of vanilla is considered a secret tip in the fight against cravings for sweets. We explain what you should know about it.

Combat one sweet scent with another sweet scent – and the cravings disappear. Sounds like a fairy tale, but according to London researchers it’s actually supposed to work. At least if you use vanilla scent to get rid of the cravings. For the British scientists’ study, 200 test persons were given a scent patch stuck to their skin. In 70 participants, the patch smelled of vanilla, while 130 others wore either a placebo patch or one that smelled of lemon.

With Vanilla against Ravenous Appetite

Over a period of four weeks, the eating behaviour of the participants was accurately recorded. The surprising result was that the people wearing the vanilla patch ate only half as much chocolate as usual and also consumed less sugary drinks. In the other groups, however, the eating behaviour of the test persons had not changed.

But why does the desire for sweets vanish with vanilla scent? The researchers suspect, however, that there is a connection between the release of the happiness hormone serotonin in the brain and the vanilla aroma. Finally, chocolate usually also ensures that happiness hormones are released – so vanilla acts as a kind of substitute for the candy effect. The theory is also supported by the fact that the appetite for fatty foods or alcohol was not dampened by the vanilla patches.

Why Do We even Have Ravenous Appetite?

Cravings can ruin any kind of weight loss test. However, we should not be angry with our body – because cravings are only an alarm signal of the body that it lacks nutrients. And since the brain is dependent on a good supply of energy, it fires immediately from all pipes in the event of a deficiency – which in our case can not only cause a penetrating growling stomach, but also nausea.

Another common feature is that the brain is now particularly happy about sugar because it quickly provides energy and causes the blood sugar level to skyrocket. However, this level drops just as quickly after sugar consumption and leaves us tired and flabby. Instead of betting on sweets, it is best to distract ourselves a little during a ravenous hunger attack. Because usually the feeling of gnawing hunger disappears after a short time by itself. You can find even more tips against cravings here.