Comfort Foods Reduce Stress Levels

Australian scientists have confirmed what many of us already know, that “comfort foods” can lower stress levels.
Eating foods high in sugar and fat can change the chemical composition of the brain and decrease anxiety, states Professor of Pharmacology, Margaret Morris.
Prof Morris, from the University of NSW School of Medical Sciences, undertook a study of rats which highlighted that the effects of past trauma can be eradicated via “unlimited access to yummy food”.
“Implementing that diet reversed their anxiety, it took an animal back to the non-stressed state,” Prof Morris told AAP.
She is not sure sure as to exactly what happens, however, it would appear that the food seems to affect neurogenesis similarly to the way anti-depressants promote nerve growth in the brain.
Prof Morris did caution that the results are not immediately transferable to people, however, they do lend support to “the therapeutic value of comfort food” and hint at explanations for other patterns of human behaviour.
When you are stressed, what do you eat? It tends to be more sweet things, such as, sweets, chocolates and cake, and less fruit, veg and fish .
Prof Morris added that the study categorically ought not to be viewed as an endorsement for eating junk food, as this can lead to serious health problems.
The research was conducted jointly with PHD student Jayanthi Maniam, and it ihas been published in the journal “Psychoneuroendrocrinology.”