Biting Into A Cookie Is Key To Relieving Stress, Even Better Than CBD Oil Or A Cuppa
- Scientific insight shows that eating cookies really does reduce stress
- The ‘Mmmm’ effect is scientifically proven to make you happier
- The anticipation of eating is just as important as the bite to increase happiness and reduce stress
With stress impacting 74% of the UK every day, new research has been commissioned to offer insight into how food can relieve stress and make the nation a little happier.
Insight discovered by food anthropologist, Caroline Hobkinson discovers biting into your favourite food, such as a cookie, can increase happiness and reduce more stress than modern relievers such as CBD oil or the ‘go to’, cup of tea.
An ‘Mmmm’ Increases Happiness and Reduces Stress
Does food really impact our happiness levels? Yes, it does.
Research tells us when a taste is good it encourages the eater to vocalise ‘Mmmm’. This vocal sound indicates the mood has been lifted instantly and we become happier.
A study by Blanchflower, which focussed on emotional eating styles and chocolate chip cookie consumption, discovered snacking on “cosy comfort” foods provides greater pleasure and psychological benefits than eating our routine food choices.
The study measured the participants’ blood pressure before and after cookie consumption, which indicates a state of relaxation. The research discovered lowered cortisol levels, which indicates that stress is also lowered after cookie consumption. The heart rate was notably reduced which is a further sign of cookie consumption having a positive impact on wellbeing and mood.
The research also shows the ‘Mmmm’ effect from eating delicious food actively reduces stress levels by affecting dopamine levels on the 5-HT1A (receptors that are found in regions of the brain that are implicated in the control of mood and memory).
Cookie dough consumption acts much more instantaneously on this receptor and is perceived as much tastier. Foods that taste better and give us a full multisensorial experience rather than other ‘less tasty’ stress relievers e.g. CBD oil and tea, make us happy and alleviate a negative mood.
The ‘Mmmm’ isn’t just linked to a single bite, but the full experience. From the anticipation of baking in the oven to the immersion of the lingering scent. All elements lead to a state of mindfulness that connects food consumption with a strong sense of wellbeing.
Caroline explains, “The food memories and the full experience engage more sensors than other memories so when you’re that thoroughly engaged in the moment, it has a more powerful effect.
A lot of our memories are about not just the food but the whole experience of being a family, being nourished. All of which increases happiness and reduces our stress levels.”
Reduce Stress With Every Bite
This new insight has discovered that biting into a favoured food can increase happiness and therefore reduces stress levels.
Caroline shares, “The easily digestible carbohydrates in some of our favourite foods such as cookies cause the L-tryptophan (an essential amino acid that part creates serotonin and helps regulate a person’s level of happiness) to be elevated and improve the mood within 5 to 10 minutes. This brings calm and happiness.”
This insight is supported by research conducted by Lindseth, Helland, and Caspers, 2016 who discovered that by changing the diet to include more L-tryptophan we create a positive mood change and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The Ingredients Are Just As Important
This research was commissioned by the founder of Doughlicious, Kathryn Bricken, to discover further ways to bring happiness across the country. Kathryn comments; “We know it isn’t just dough, it’s an experience and we need to make sure everyone does what they can to alleviate stress where they can. Even if it’s just a bite of something they fancy to make them happy.”
Along with the experience of eating, nutrition benefits support happiness, reduce stress and improve overall health.
Blueberries are a key ingredient in one of the Dough·Chi products. Blueberries have the highest level of antioxidants of any fruit. So much so, that one cup of blueberries is also a quarter of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C, which promotes cardiovascular health.
Matcha, which is a key ingredient in one of the Doughlicious Cookie Dough products, is world-renowned for its health benefits by boosting blood flow to the skin and helping keep the heart healthy by lowering both cholesterol and blood pressure.
Oats within all Doughlicous offerings are among the healthiest grains on earth. They’re a gluten-free whole grain and a great source of important vitamins, minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. Studies show that oats and oatmeal have many health benefits including lower blood sugar levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Caroline Hobkinson, in partnership with Doughlicious, will be conducting the next research project into ‘How to reduce stress with a bite of a cookie’ at Mortimer House, London this December.
Doughlicious and Dough·Chi are available from Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado, Costco, Planet Organic and Wholefoods.
Doughlicious isn’t just dough – it’s an experience. To purchase the range and for a list of our stockists, visit here.
