Tag: Nutritional psychology

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.

According to a 2024 study, our brain has distinct neural circuits that regulate both hunger-driven (necessity) and pleasure-driven eating behaviors. This scientific finding helps illustrate the fundamental difference between eating to live and living to eat, two contrasting philosophies that define our relationship with food.

Research consistently shows that diet is a major determinant of our overall health, with poor nutrition being a leading global risk factor. Exploring the wide-ranging implications of diet is essential for understanding how our food choices shape our physical and mental well-being throughout life.

According to a recent Harvard study, consuming citrus fruits like oranges can reduce depression risk by influencing the gut microbiome. This exciting research helps explain why you might feel good after eating an orange, connecting a simple food choice to your overall mental well-being.

According to research published in the journal *Obesity*, stress can significantly increase cravings and reward-driven eating, which may help explain an intense urge for sugary drinks like orange juice. Craving orange juice can feel intense, but it is a complex phenomenon that may stem from various physiological and psychological factors, not always a simple nutrient deficiency.

According to a 2022 study in *PLoS ONE*, feeling hungry can be directly linked to heightened levels of irritability, anger, and reduced pleasure. This phenomenon, colloquially known as "hanger," reveals the profound impact that a lack of proper fuel has on your mood when you don't eat enough. Your body's physical need for energy is intimately tied to your emotional regulation, far beyond a simple rumbling stomach.

According to research, deficiencies in key nutrients such as Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D are associated with an increased risk of depressive symptoms. While no single deficiency directly makes you cry, a vitamin deficiency can profoundly impact your mood and emotional stability, leading to unprompted crying spells.

Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of essential neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. A person can crave protein for several reasons, including a genuine nutritional deficit, hormonal imbalances, psychological factors, or increased physical demands.

Research has linked a daily serving of nuts, including cashews, with a reduced risk of depression in adults. While this is a promising correlation, it is crucial to understand the science behind this association and to clarify that nuts are not a medical cure for depression.

According to the American Psychological Association, anxiety is the most common mental disorder, and research suggests diet can lessen symptoms. This highlights the mind-body link, raising the question: can you combine psychology and nutrition for better health?