Good Food, Good Mood: Wholegrains

by Hayley Blieden

Does what you eat really impact how you feel? Would I be better off without my morning coffee, 3pm pick me up and after dinner sweet? How great an impact does diet have on how you feel and in turn how you treat others?

Researchers have long studied the impact food has on the human body. We are all aware of the physical consequences of over indulging. But we often don’t consider the psychological impact of the foods we eat.

As we embark on eight weeks of kindness we will assess different foods which are believed to positively influence your mood. By choosing one food over another, we can counteract negative emotions and improve the way you feel. We believe that those who are happy and energised are more likely to act kindly to themselves and to others

Grainy Goodness
We live in a diet-obsessed world where carbohydrates are the devil and protein is king. A recent study conducted by Project Go Grain found that an estimated 35% of Australian women are currently limiting grain foods in order to lose weight. Despite evidence proving that people who include wholegrain foods in their weight loss plan are more likely to maintain their weight loss over time.

Recent research suggests that high protein preachers are winning the publicity game. The Australian population appears to be unsure of the benefits of wholegrain foods. Reasons for the decline in the consumption of wholegrains foods appear to be due to a lack of understanding of their health benefits. In short, carbohydrates are a good source of fibre, B-group vitamins, magnesium and iron. In addition to this, carbohydrates also increase the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Serotonin is a chemical produced by the brain that gives you a “happy feeling” and appears to assist with sleep, relieving anxiety and avoiding depression. A stable brain serotonin level is associated with positive emotions. Studies have found that only carbohydrates naturally stimulate serotonin production and that when carbohydrates are withheld, the brain ceases to produce it.

Another bonus of serotonin is reduced appetite. When serotonin becomes active in the brain, it makes you feel full before your stomach is full.

3 more reasons to eat grains every day:
1. Daily consumption of 2-3 serves of wholegrain foods is linked with a 20-30% reduced risk of chronic disease.
2. Wholegrain fibre is associated with reduced risk of bowel cancer and heart disease.
3. Consumption of 3-5 serves of wholegrains daily is proven to help prevent weight gain.
So in order to look better and feel better, ensure to include the daily recommendation of 4 serves of wholegrain food.

Try our Five-grain Porridge recipe, jam packed full of wholegrain goodness.

1 Million Acts of Kindness is proudly supported by Swisse.