Final answer:
The rewarding properties of food are associated with the feelings of pleasure and satiety that are controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain, and foods rich in fatty acids tend to increase these feelings more than those rich in carbohydrates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rewarding properties of food are often associated with the pleasurable and satisfying feelings we get when eating. When we talk about what is associated with the rewarding properties of food, we are generally referring to how foods rich in certain macronutrients, like fatty acids, can affect feelings of satiety and reward. A key brain region involved in controlling these signals is the hypothalamus. This region regulates the balance between hunger and satiety through various receptors and neurotransmitters, which can be influenced by our dietary intake. For example, foods that have a high content of fatty acids are more likely to promote a sense of fullness than foods high in carbohydrates. This sense of reward and satiety is an important aspect of why we eat and how we choose what to eat.