‘Research on comfort food’

By Janvi Sharma

What is Comfort food?

Comfort food provides a nostalgic or sentimental value to someone and may be characterised by its high-caloric nature associated with childhood or home cooking. The nostalgia may be specific to an individual or apply to a specific culture.

The science of comfort food cravings

According to research, our cravings for comfort food are deeply rooted in psychology. These foods often trigger feelings of nostalgia and emotional comfort, providing a sense of security and familiarity in times of stress or sadness but the main thing making it so irresistible is the role of emotions. We all know that a mother does best for her child and she adds her magic in some things, while most of it is food, The ghee ki churi we eat becomes our comfort food and sometimes it is the roadside chole Bhature or everyone’s favourite Golgappas. 

Balancing Comfort Food and Nutrition

Incorporating more vegetables into comforting dishes you already enjoy is a great way to boost the nutritional value of the meal and adding eggs can help you better absorb the nutrients found in vegetables, such as vitamin E and carotenoids. We can also add nutrients to some comfort foods by swapping in whole grains (such as brown rice or whole grain pasta), or by adding vegetables or protein-rich foods.

For example, add carrots and chunks of chicken (not just broth and noodles) to your chicken soup, or swap the white noodles for whole wheat.

Conclusion

Many individuals rely on comfort foods when they’re depressed, anxious, or simply in need of a little mood boost. Comfort foods can evoke coziness and comfort as they are frequently linked to carefree memories. 

Comfort foods are a source of consolation for many of us when we’re under stress. It is a food that someone was given when they were looked after as a child, for example, and is something that, as adults, people reach for when they feel emotionally threatened. According to research, eating particular meals “rewards” people’s brains. Hence, comfort food is a warm hug we need.