Agencies
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Agencies | Updated : May 27, 2014 10:41 AM IST
Most people rush to have a comfort food when they're feeling low but a new study suggests that reaching out for chocolates or ice-cream when you're ill won't make you feel better for long. Scientists have found the idea that eating certain foods makes us feel better when we are in a bad mood may be a myth. On the other hand, people may simply feel better after some time has passed, regardless of what they eat, according to a new study. Researchers asked study participants to pick foods that they thought would make them feel better if they were in a bad mood, such as chocolate, cookies or ice cream. They were also asked to choose foods that they liked, but that they did not think would boost their mood, 'Live Science' reported.
Participants then watched a 20-minute video intended to elicit feelings of sadness, anger and fear. They rated their mood immediately after the video, and three minutes later. In those three minutes, they were served either their comfort food or a granola bar or no food at all. As expected, participants were in a bad mood immediately after watching the video. Three minutes later, their mood improved, regardless of whether they had their comfort food, another food, or no food at all.
'We were incredibility surprised by those results,' said researcher Heather Scherschel Wagner, a doctorate candidate at the University of Minnesota. Before the study was conducted, the researchers believed that there was something to eating comfort food, said Wagner.
'Whether it's your comfort food, or it's a granola bar, or if you eat nothing at all, you will eventually feel better. Basically, comfort food can't speed up that healing process,' Wagner said.
Source: PTI
You may also like to read:
For more articles on diet check out our Fitness Section.Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
