How does the presentation and palatability of food affect appetite ?
It is very clear, that the temptation to eat more is greater if the food available is especially palatable. The pleasure derived from eating is directly linked to its palatability: Human beings have a natural preference for sweetness, and dislike for bitterness this is thought to be an evolutionary measure to protect against consumptions of foods that are poisonous. Many high-fat foods provide pleasurable sensory experiences such as the sensation of creaminess. Palatability is also affected by the other experiences associated with their consumption. For example foods associated with celebrations such as Chinese moon cakes, may seem especially attractive because of long-standing memories of celebrating the mid-autumn festival. Research has also found that increasing the variety of foods available stimulates appetite. Experts believe the introduction to a variety of foods at one sitting also has an effect on appetite. Foods offering different textures, flavours and colours stimulate our
