Food and Mood

Did you know that food has the power to change the way you feel? Check this out…

HAVE you ever realised that eating a piece of cake can make you tired and lazy? Have you ever sensed that eating that carrot or banana can make you feel energetic and vivacious? Everything you consume on a day-to-day basis has an effect on you, since food is known to affect your mood because it gets broken down into elements that can raise your blood sugar or drop it rapidly. “The food you eat affects your physical as well as your mental well-being. A bad diet can be one of the causes of depression, while a healthy diet may be enough to lift your spirits,” says dietician Megha Kadakia. ‘I need a coffee break’ is a common phrase heard at the workplace. A dose of caffeine might make you feel better for the time being, but that’s not a healthy way to energise one’s self. Feels Rashmi Uttam, a fitness expert, “Tea and coffee are treated as stimulants, and may help keep the mind alert. But consumption of too much of coffee or tea can be hazardous to health.” However, nutritionist Naini Setalvad adds, “Chamomile herbal tea is amazing stress buster.”

Another stress buster that’s yummy and tempting is a bar of chocolate. “Chocolate is often termed as comfort food. However, dark chocolate is a great energy booster,” says Naini. Pure chocolate contains many chemicals that liven up your mood, including anandamine, which targets receptors in your brain that produce a cozy, euphoric feeling. Eat half a grilled-chicken wrap, and stay alert. Carbs make you feel relaxed. “High fibre carbohydrates like whole fruits, vegetables, unrefined cereals and whole grains consumed as part of a regular diet plan will help keep blood glucose levels stable throughout the day and help maintain a calm mind,” adds Rashmi.

FOOD FOR LOVE: A Banana a day keeps the depression away

“If you want to be fresh and lively all day long, eating fresh fruits like green apples, water melon, orange, sweet lime, pomegranate and kiwi will help you. Eating that spicy dish may make you feel depressed,” states nutritionist Anuradha Inamdar. If you are a short-tempered person, reaching out for a sweet potato is not a bad idea. “Natural sugar helps you calm the brain,” suggests Naini. Food which actually cause depression, mood swings and hampers performance are white sugar and white flour. Also, it’s absolutely important to eat chemical free food or organic food. Chemicals interfere with neurotransmitters in the brain especially at a high level, she adds.

Ayurveda states that the health and mood control of individuals can be regulated through dietary habits. “In ancient India, food was consumed according to the professions of individuals! Our ancient food practices were based on the function it would serve. Ayurveda has always corroborated this fact, and modern science today affirms this!” tells Rashmi.

Think before you eat, as eating right could make your day bright indeed.