Did you know that food controls our emotions?

Discover the seven mental health benefits that food can bring

Did you know that people who are depressed, bored or tired tend to eat more? When they feel fear, pain or tension, they consume less food. Also, when we experience negative emotions, we tend to look for high-calorie foods. And when we experience positive emotions, we tend to eat what is healthier. This happens because food controls our emotions and the person who talks about this topic the most is nutritionist Dr. Andrea Pereira.

Food and emotions

According to the expert, foods high in sugar and fat have been linked to addictive behavior patterns that directly impact mental health. Recent studies show that these ingredients can trigger chemical responses in the brain, encouraging overconsumption that leads to cycles of binge eating and weight gain.

On the other hand, even the healthiest foods produce a response at the brain level, promoting states of calm and emotional stability. “Anger causes an increase in impulse eating (rapid, irregular, and distracted eating, directed at whatever food is available), and during happiness there is an increase in hedonic eating (the tendency to eat because the food tastes good or because the food being consumed is considered healthy).”He states.

To delve deeper into the topic, we asked the nutritionist to list what they are and the benefits they bring. Watch:

Calm

Foods rich in B-complex, magnesium, calcium, omega 3 and zinc are responsible for calmness. “We can point out among these: avocado, blueberries, salmon, seeds (walnuts, chestnuts, almonds and any other dried fruit), milk and dairy products, orange, eggs, green leaves, oyster and turkey breast. Passion fruit is also a fruit associated with calming effects”explains.

On alert

Caffeine is a substance that makes us more alert and awake and is present in coffee, green tea and black tea. In addition to this there is guarana. “For more sensitive people it can be harmful to sleep”warns Pereira.

Shoo, sadness

“Omega-3 supplementation with a high concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), S-adenosylmethionine, methylfolate and vitamin D reduces depressive symptoms”indicate.

Happiness and good mood

Carbohydrate-rich meals lead to improved mood and increased happiness thanks to brain serotonin. Eating fruits and vegetables also increases levels of happiness and life satisfaction.

Stress reduction

“The intake of foods high in fat and carbohydrates reduces hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal activity and thus dampens the stress response. Immediate positive affective reactions to palatable foods may have the effect of reducing the impact of stress”explains. Some studies also show that the Mediterranean diet supplemented with fish oil also reduces symptoms of depression, stress and anxiety.

Power

Our energy comes mainly from carbohydrates. “They should correspond to 25% of our main meals, being present in rice, bread, fruit, pasta, potatoes, cassava and sweets. Also important for practicing physical activity. Prefer complex and whole products, with a greater quantity of fiber”recommends.

Sleep better

To sleep well Andrea recommends milk, rice, seeds (walnuts, chestnuts, almonds and any other dried fruit) and salmon. “Eat complex carbohydrates like whole-grain toast or oatmeal before bed. These foods trigger the release of serotonin. Bitter cherries are a natural source of sleep-inducing melatonin.”concludes.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.