What Do You Know About Vitamin P?
Ifiokobong Ene
Freelance Medical Researcher & Content Writer - Dedicated to making health and wellness information available, actionable, and understandable so that readers can make the best decisions about their health.
Almost everyone has a response to the question "what is your favorite food?" This is easily understandable because humans are naturally inclined to find enjoyment in eating. In fact, for many people, eating is considered one of life's greatest pleasures. Apart from enhancing the experience of meals, finding pleasure in food also offers significant health benefits. Appreciating and enjoying food aids digestion, fosters a positive relationship with food, and can assist in overcoming eating disorders and more. In certain cases, the importance of deriving satisfaction from food, which can be considered as a form of "vitamin P" or "vitamin mmmm," is just as crucial as the nutritional content of one's diet. Continue reading to explore the delightful reasons why pleasure is significant in the realm of food.
Much ado about eating for pleasure
For years, scientists have conducted research to understand the scientific aspects of deriving pleasure from eating, and their findings have been fascinating and mostly positive.
From a physiological perspective, the pleasure we experience from food arises both in our mouths and in our brains.
The pleasure derived from any source, including food, triggers the release of dopamine in the brain.
Dopamine, often known as the "feel-good hormone," activates the brain's reward pathways, promoting feelings of happiness, calmness, motivation, and focus.
Interestingly, earlier research from 2011 suggests that individuals with obesity may have disrupted dopamine sensitivity, causing them to overeat in order to attain sufficient pleasure from food.
When our brain chemistry functions properly, however, finding enjoyment in food can have physical benefits.
When we take pleasure in the food we consume and stimulate dopamine release, our digestion and metabolism become more efficient. By experiencing relaxation in response to a pleasurable eating experience, our nervous system enters a state of rest and digestion, enabling us to fully break down and utilize the nutrients from the foods we eat.
Indulging in the pleasure of eating can actually encourage healthier eating habits.
A comprehensive systematic review conducted in 2020 analyzed 119 studies that explored the link between food enjoyment and a healthy diet. Interestingly, 57% of the studies reported positive correlations between deriving pleasure from food and positive dietary outcomes.
For instance, a study conducted in 2015 discovered that individuals who experienced greater enjoyment while eating had higher nutritional status. Other studies have also highlighted the significance of finding pleasure in healthy foods as a means to encourage a nourishing and well-balanced diet.
We derive emotional nourishment when we eat the food we love
Mealtimes would lack excitement if food were merely regarded as a source of energy. The act of eating encompasses various aspects of the human journey, such as fostering connections with loved ones and preserving our cultural identity.
To put it concisely, food provides not only physical nourishment but also emotional fulfillment. Here are a few ways in which savoring food can nourish your soul.
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What would a party or family gathering be without some delicious snacks to munch on?
Partaking in meals with others often leads to a heightened sense of joy, as indicated by a study conducted in 2015 that examined social communities in Thailand.
Warm chicken soup when you're feeling unwell, a pasta dish that evokes memories of your grandmother, or a beloved dessert that brings instant satisfaction—these types of foods have a remarkable ability to uplift our mood and provide solace to our bodies.
Occasionally, food becomes a source of comfort after a tough day, a practice often referred to as negative emotional eating. However, when we permit ourselves to truly engage with the food and take pleasure in it, there are numerous advantages to be gained.
Diet culture encompasses various definitions, but a common feature of this societal messaging is the notion that you must deny yourself foods you genuinely enjoy, particularly those that are considered high in calories or fat.
By consciously savoring the foods you consume, you can challenge and overcome this harmful mindset.
When all foods are allowed without strict rules or restrictions— even the most delightful ones—your body learns to trust that it will receive the necessary nourishment. Granting yourself permission to enjoy these foods that have been labeled as "bad" or "off-limits" is a crucial step in the healing process, enabling you to experience greater peace, confidence, and freedom in your relationship with food.
For many years, research has consistently highlighted the importance of a sense of belonging for one's mental well-being. And what better setting to experience this sense of belonging than within your own family or cultural heritage?
This is where the enjoyment of food can play a significant role.
Culture and tradition serve as powerful bonds that connect us to others and to our own sense of self. When we restrict or deny ourselves the foods that foster these connections, we risk feelings of disconnection and loneliness. By labeling cultural foods as "bad" or unworthy, we are essentially denouncing not only the food itself but also the underlying identity associated with it.
By embracing and celebrating these foods, we can cultivate a sense of liberation and belonging that has a positive impact on our mental health.
Ifiokobong Ene is a Medical Physiologist, and a freelance medical writer with research interest in cardiovascular physiology and endocrinology. Ifiok brings his years of medical research experience to help consistently create high-quality, and engaging articles and products that uphold the highest medical standards. He is dedicated to making health and wellness information available, actionable, and understandable so that readers can make the best decisions about their health.