4 Health Benefits as a Result of More Mindful Eating

Published on : 6/16/20
  • In Asia and many other regions around the world, food is therapeutic, able to promote good health and boost the immune system.

    With COVID19 prevalent in our daily narrative, many of us have made a more conscious effort to make balanced food choices, paying attention to the benefits that food can bring us. Of course, it helps that eating mindfully also help to prevent weight gain brought about by a lack of physical activity due to the restriction of movement in Singapore and other cities.   Sodexo’s leading team of nutritionists and chefs in Asia put together a recipe book to help us with mindful eating. Here are some of the health benefits we can reap from eating better.  

    1.    Reduce stress with mood-boosting foods  

    It can be a stressful time for many currently, with the pressures of working from home while caregiving. Some foods that can help us to manage stress better include dark chocolate, which can reduce our body’s reaction to cortisol, the stress hormone, or oatmeal, which increases the levels of serotonin, the feel good hormone in our brains. Of course, it’s important to eat in moderation, rather than to binge on these foods. 

    2.    Get glowing skin with antioxidants

    Antioxidants have a beneficial effect to help neutralize free radicals that enter the body by protecting our cell walls against oxidative damage. Oxidative damage harms the walls of the cells in our bodies, which could lead to negative health outcomes. As an outward benefit, antioxidants will help us to achieve dewy, glowing skin. With antioxidants found in many fruits and vegetables  such as berries and green leafy vegetables, a more mindful approach to eating can help us consume more of these beneficial foods.

    3.    Promote gut health with good bacteria

    Pro- and pre-biotics are not just supplements we can purchase from a pharmacy, but can be found in everyday foods as well. Probiotics are living organisms that can aid digestion and promote gut health, while pre-biotics are fibrous foods that can create a conducive for probiotics to thrive inside us. With COVID-19 leading to remote working and working from home, many have started experiments with pickling kimchi or sauerkraut, foods that are high in probiotics.  

    4.    Rest better with sleep-boosting foods

    Restful sleep supports our immune system, elevates energy levels, and has a huge impact on our mental and physical health. Poultry, such as turkey or chicken, produce tryptophan, which not only makes us feel sleepy, but helps us stay asleep for longer. Including dietary fiber in our meals, like eating vegetables, can help us absorb tryptophan better. Waking up feeling refreshed is a great way to meet the challenges of our new normal. 

    Why not try some of our delicious recipes featuring these food benefits in our Love of Food Magazine? Download it here!

    These are a but a few of the many benefits food can have on our health. In many parts of Asia, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) philosophies  also influence the food and method of preparation to promote positive health outcomes. 

    Looking to introduce mindful eating options or even TCM-influenced recipes and ingredients to the staff dining experience as you restart work? Reach out to us today to find out more
     

     

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