Soothing Edibles - Products that improve your mood

The term comfort food refers to foods that improve mood, well-being, stimulate positive emotions. The purpose of such foods is to provide psychological, especially emotional, comfort. These foods carry positive associations. Comfort food can be foods:

Family members such as parents, grandparents, or other close individuals offered us specific food products when we felt unwell, were ill, or were sad as children. Therefore, each individual may have completely different preferences regarding what they consume when they are sad or angry. In 2000, a survey was conducted involving over 1,000 North American individuals to investigate the effects of food products on mood. The survey revealed that the most popular food products that improved mood were: potato chips (24%), ice cream (14%), cookies (12%), pizza and pasta (11%), beef steaks/hamburgers (9%), fat and vegetable-rich products (7%), soups (4%). The survey also revealed significant differences between genders. Women more frequently regarded ice cream (74%), chocolate (69%), and cookies (66%) as the most soothing food products. On the other hand, men considered ice cream (77%), soups (73%), and pizza/pasta (72%) to be the most soothing food products (B. Wansink, M. M. Cheney, N. Chan 2003). Interestingly, not only gender affects the differences in the choice of specific food products. Specific situations are also responsible for these differences. The results of an online survey conducted in 2003, which involved 277 participants (196 women and 81 men), suggest that loneliness, depression, and guilt were the main factors for women. Men who took part in the survey admitted that they reached for food products as a reward for achievements. The survey also showed that products rich in sugar and fat were more effective in alleviating negative emotions, while low-calorie food products were more effective in increasing positive emotions (L. Dubé, J. L. LeBel, J. Lu 2005). Another factor that can influence the choice of comfort food is age. In one study, it was observed that: - individuals aged 18-34 preferred ice cream (77%) and cookies (70%), - individuals aged 35-54 preferred soups (68%) and pasta (67%), - individuals aged 55 and above regarded soups (76%) and mashed potatoes (74%) as comfort food (B. Wansink, M. M. Cheney, N. Chan 2003).

It's challenging to find a common feature of products considered comfortable because people identify food products differently in different situations. For each comfort food can be something completely different. Therefore, it's difficult to pinpoint one taste, smell, or texture of food that would fit all the products or foods referred to as comfort food. However, one crucial aspect of food is its appearance. Vision dominates over other senses such as touch, smell, taste, and hearing. However, that doesn't mean that the appearance of food decides whether it will be considered comfort food. In the case of comfort food, the feelings experienced while consuming the product, even with closed eyes, are crucial. It's also essential to pay attention to the consistency of the product. It has been observed that comfort food products typically have a soft consistency. Among a wide range of dishes considered comfort food, there is often a dominance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, compared to bitter and sour flavors. However, there are no definitive proofs of the existence of a single sensory profile for comfort food products, but these products are usually soft, smooth, and sweet or salty.

Negative emotions are considered an important factor leading to the consumption of food that brings happiness. Food is treated as a way to improve mood and well-being. Another factor responsible for consuming these products is positive experiences, which are associated with specific smells, tastes, and textures. They are perceived by the body as a sign of happiness. The most important feelings that are relevant for the brain are safety, reward, and bonding. For each person, a different feeling will be important, which explains why there is no one specific product that is considered comfort food. A person who is not stressed, has a sense of self-esteem, or has a healthy approach to food, will be able to appreciate the quality of their food, which is the most important interpretation of it.

The food items referred to as comfort food may vary for each person. Research shows that the choices of women and men regarding these products may significantly differ, as well as there are differences in the preferences of individuals of different age. It is not always necessary for comfort food to contain sugar, salt, fat, and a high number of calories, as each individual has his/her own perspective on their comfort food. There are also no specific taste features that characterize these foods. Food is considered comforting because it is associated with positive memories, places, or people from the past.