Do you ever get that feeling after eating a big meal or drinking a warm cup of coffee? You know, the one where all your worries seem to fade away and you just feel relaxed and content. That’s because food and beverages can have a powerful influence on our moods.
Food and beverages contain chemicals known as neurochemicals that activate the pleasure centers in our brains, so we end up feeling good. This is the reason why people use food and beverages to cope with stress.
Comfort from Food and Beverages
Among the most important food groups are carbohydrates. Eating carbs helps increase serotonin, a chemical in our bodies that makes us feel happy. This is why carbs are often used as a quick fix for depression or anxiety because they can temporarily elevate your mood by increasing levels of serotonin.
Another food group that influences our moods is fat, particularly omega-three fatty acids found in fish like salmon and tuna, flaxseeds, walnuts, and avocados. The reason why these foods help keep you calm is that they regulate brain activity and lower inflammation in the brain which helps reduce negative emotions such as anger and sadness.
Beverages also have an impact on our moods, which is why a coffee bean and brew or tea can be so comforting. The caffeine in these beverages helps stimulate the central nervous system, making you feel more alert and energetic. Caffeine also increases dopamine levels in certain parts of the brain that help improve reaction times and make you feel good.
However, food and beverages only provide temporary relief from negative emotions; for long-term emotional wellness, it’s important to eat a healthy balanced diet as well as get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
Let us explore more reasons why food and beverages are comforting for people:
Food gives people the energy they need to perform tasks and activities
Everyone knows that food is essential for survival, but did you know that food also helps keep your brain sharp? Studies show that eating food rich in protein such as chicken breast or eggs can improve memory and concentration levels.
When we are stressed out at work or school, food provides us with the energy needed to complete tasks efficiently while boosting our moods! It’s no surprise why people turn to food when they need a quick pick-me-up during finals week or before an important deadline.
Food comforts us because it reminds us of home and childhood memories
Some foods remind you of happy times spent with loved ones — like grandma’s apple pie recipe passed down through generations! We associate certain flavors and smells with dishes eaten throughout life so food becomes a source of comfort and familiarity.
Food also comforts us because it is physically grounding
When we eat, our bodies receive the nourishment they need to function. This physical contact with food can be grounding in moments when we feel scattered or overwhelmed. The ritual of eating can help us to focus and calm down.
Beverages are comforting because they are hydrating
Your body needs water to function properly. When you’re dehydrated, your brain has trouble functioning and it becomes hard to concentrate or feel calm. Drinking a glass of water can help hydrate your body so that you can feel balanced again!
Drinking tea is calming because it warms us up
The act of drinking warm beverages releases oxytocin in our brains — the same hormone involved with social bonding! This means that when we drink something hot like tea, we get an extra dose of endorphins which makes us feel good. These positive feelings help reduce stress levels while warming up our bodies from the cold temperatures outside during the winter months.
Food and beverages are good for socializing
Food and beverages can also help us socialize with others. When we’re out at a restaurant or bar, for example, food and drinks are a great way to start conversations with people that we don’t know. And when we’re talking to other people, we tend to feel more relaxed and happy!
Turning to Food and Beverages for Comfort
So the next time you’re feeling down, stressed out, or just want to relax, grab some food or a beverage that will make you feel good! There are plenty of options out there that can provide you with comfort and positive feelings — all you have to do is find what works best for you.
Food and beverages will never let you down. Nothing beats the feeling you get when food and drinks bring you comfort from within.
When we’re feeling down, food or a beverage can be just the thing to make us feel better. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal with family members or friends at your favorite restaurant, food and beverages are always comforting in some way. And even if they don’t work out quite as planned (like that failed cake attempt), there’s always ice cream.
