Year: 2023 | Month: November | Volume: 13 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 230-239
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20231128
Impacts of Food on Mind, Health, and Relationships: A Synthesis of Current Research
Faizu Mohammed Shuaibu1, Muhammad Ahmad Gasma2, Adamu Abubakar2, Hassan Nanbol Bawa2, Rajesh Prasad Jayaswal1
1M.Sc. Scholar, Department of MLS, School of Medical and Allied Science, GD Goenka University, Haryana India
1Associate Professor and Head, School of Medical and Allied Sciences, Sanskriti University, Mathura (India)
2M.Sc. Scholar, Department of MLS, School of Medical and Allied Science, GD Goenka University, Haryana India
Corresponding Author: Rajesh Prasad Jayaswal
ABSTRACT
Food choices go beyond sustenance, affecting health, cognition, and relationships. This review explores recent research on their interplay, examining how dietary habits shape mental well-being, prevent diseases, and impact social interactions. It studies nutrients like omega-3s, antioxidants on cognitive function, dietary patterns on cardiovascular risk, and shared meals on bonds.
The systematic approach used keyword searches, prioritising 2010-2023 English peer-reviewed articles. Selection involved screening, eligibility, and cross-referencing.
Omega-3s in fish/nuts aid cognitive function, reduce decline risk. Antioxidants protect, aid cognitive health. Mediterranean diets help cognition, cut decline risk. Gut-brain links suggest microbiota's impact via fibre/probiotics.
Dietary patterns affect health; Mediterranean diet maintains heart health, cuts diabetes risk. Plant-based diets lower weight, boost heart health, and cut inflammation. Low-carb diets aid weight loss, glycemic control, but responses/sustainability matter.
Dietary habits influence mood; gut health affects microbiota, mood. Cultural practices, food preferences, shared meals shape social interactions, fostering belonging.
Cultural, psychological factors drive choices, shape attitudes. Advertising, body image, norms influence decisions. Interventions include education, behaviour change, policy adjustments.
Identified gaps includes; understanding the mechanisms, connections, microbiota's role, cultural influences. Interdisciplinary studies are crucial for well-being.
Conclusively, food choices have a profound influence on mental, physical, and social well-being. Our decisions play a pivotal role in shaping health and relationships, extending an invitation to embrace a sense of well-being with each mindful meal.
Key words: food, nutrition, mental health, physical health, and social interactions.