Rio Hondo College Newspaper

El Paisano

Rio Hondo College Newspaper

El Paisano

Rio Hondo College Newspaper

El Paisano

Mind over taste? Or taste over mind?

It’s standard, all day we are thinking about that snack we are so excited for.  That food we see someone else eating and have to have it.  And somehow our food metaphors even have a way of making their way into our thoughts about people. You see a yummy guy, or meet the sweetest person in the world.

Lots of evidence is showing , what we eat, and what we feel have an exact correlation. Cognitive psychologist at Loyola University of New Orleans states, “your brain can’t tell the difference between something that tastes bad and something that makes you feel morally violated.”

Sour Candy, Sour Attitude?

Studies have shown that certain foods affect mood changing brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.  These neurotransmitters are affected directly by the types of foods that are eaten.

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A sweet piece of candy, will boost your levels of serotonin which better affects your mood. Higher serotonin levels are caused when eating lots of carbohydrates (sugars and starches). Serotonin causes one to feel more calm, less moody, and happier.  So eating a piece of chocolate before going into class, could quite possibly put that extra pep in your step and get you through without being in a bad mood!

What to Eat and When to Eat it …

Studies from the Cleveland Clinic Foundation show that some foods actually boost high concentration and mental alertness.  Studying for a test after eating some sort of protein will increase yours dopamine levels which help with these specific symptoms. So next time you are thinking of eating a snack before work, or  a quick meal before school, check what you’re eating, it just might make your day a little better.

 

 

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