Taste:
Part of earning my certificate in Culinary Nutrition back in 2020 included a section on food and mood. We learned about which foods support anxiety, and depression, and overall enhance mood. Below is a short list of foods to consider incorporating into your diet as a strategy to reduce inflammation and support the creation of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Greek Yogurt: Contains calcium, which signals your body to release feel-good neurotransmitters. Whoo-hoo! (Make sure it’s full-fat so you feel that satisfying satiety factor.)
Asparagus: Rich in tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin, which aids mood-regulating neurotransmitters. It’s also high in folate.
Honey: Reduces inflammation and helps eliminate free radicals. It’s particularly effective as an antimicrobial, natural antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Cherry Tomatoes: Packed with lycopene, a fat-soluble phytonutrient that protects brain fat and inhibits inflammation linked to depression and anxiety.
Swiss Chard: Contains magnesium, which is essential for brain biochemical reactions and boosts energy levels.
Blue Potatoes: These contain anthocyanins, antioxidants that improve short-term memory and reduce inflammation.
Dark Chocolate: Provides an instant concentration boost, increases blood flow to the brain, and helps reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that triggers inflammation.
Salmon and Eggs: Both are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to satiety and act as anti-inflammatory agents.
Quinoa: A complex carb and protein source, quinoa is nutrient-dense and packed with magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, and folate.
Scent:
Look, I didn’t create it. I never would have come up with it and I’m not sure I would in a million years wear this, but I was intrigued to learn about a Hellman’s mayonnaise scented perfume coming on to the market.
Apparently it has notes of lemon, coffee, musk and vanilla.
Does it come with a side of pickles?
Sound:
Acoustic Ecology
Acoustic ecology studies the relationship between living organisms and their sonic environment. This field explores how natural and human-made sounds affect health, behavior, and evolution across species.
Health benefits of balanced soundscapes include stress reduction, lower blood pressure, and improved mental well-being. Natural sounds like birdsong or flowing water can boost mood and decrease anxiety. Conversely, urban noise pollution may lead to sleep issues and cognitive problems.
In practice, acoustic ecology influences urban planning, with cities incorporating sound design in parks and public spaces. Hospitals use sound masking and nature recordings to enhance patient recovery. National parks work to preserve natural soundscapes and minimize disruptive human-generated noise.
Touch:
Ever heard of smart fabrics with built in sensors?
Smart fabrics are textiles that incorporate electronic components or conductive materials directly into the fabric structure. These innovative materials can collect and transmit data about the wearer or the environment.
Examples:
Shirts that monitor heart rate and breathing
Socks that detect foot pressure for diabetic patients
Jackets with built-in heating elements
Workout clothes that track muscle activity
Find out more about this innovative technology which will transform the way we think of clothing, here and here
Sight:
Please enjoy 11 hours of Capybara watching from the Sydney Zoo’s Capybara cam.
Smart fabrics is a cool concept. Mayonnaise perfume? Not so sure 😂