Tag: Food and mood

According to the World Health Organization, depression is a leading cause of disability globally, and diet plays a significant role in managing mood and energy levels. So, what's a good pick me up food when you need a quick lift?

According to a Harvard-led analysis of over 21,000 women, those who ate the most ultra-processed foods were 50% more likely to develop depression, indicating a clear connection between food and your mood. The relationship is more than just feeling 'hangry'; it involves complex biological and psychological pathways that link your diet to your emotional state.

The brain's reward centers can be activated by eating certain highly palatable foods, releasing a rush of feel-good chemicals like dopamine. This powerful physiological response can often make you wonder, "Why did I feel high after eating?" and indicates a much more complex interaction than simple hunger satisfaction.

Research confirms that rice, particularly whole grain and pigmented varieties, contains melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep. This has led many to question if this common pantry staple can genuinely influence your sleep patterns.

While no fruit naturally contains the hormone oxytocin itself, certain fruits are rich in essential nutrients that help stimulate the body’s own oxytocin production. This crucial hormone, often called the 'love hormone', is synthesized in the brain's hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, playing a key role in social bonding and well-being.

A growing body of evidence shows that a complex relationship exists between what we eat and our mental health, including anxiety. But does cheese affect anxiety in a direct way, or is the connection more nuanced? The answer lies in understanding how different compounds in cheese can influence our bodies and minds.

According to a 2017 study published in *BMC Medicine*, improving diet quality in adults with major depression led to significant relief of symptoms. Knowing which food elevates mood can empower you to use nutrition as a powerful tool for your mental health.

Research has shown that certain dietary patterns, such as the 'Western' diet high in processed foods and sugar, are associated with higher rates of ADHD symptoms. Understanding exactly how much does diet impact ADHD is a crucial piece of the puzzle for a comprehensive management strategy.

According to the World Health Organization, unhealthy diets are a leading global risk to health. Understanding why maintaining a healthy diet is important is the first step toward safeguarding your long-term well-being and preventing chronic diseases.

In a 2012 study, participants who ate a moderate amount of dark chocolate daily for two weeks showed a reduction in stress-related hormones. The intricate relationship between the food we eat and our body's endocrine system is complex, and for chocolate, the link goes far beyond a simple craving. This article explores the nuanced science behind how cacao-based products can influence our hormones.