Wellness Related to Food and HoReCa - By Anurupa Pal

In this volatile world, it has become extremely important to focus on wellness programs to promote good health and mental well-being. This became even more crucial during the pandemic when the majority of us started using a lot of spices such as turmeric, cumin, and ginger on a larger scale for their health benefits. There are certain spices imbued with medicinal properties and plenty of health benefits, which in turn contribute to our overall wellness. Indian cuisine, with its millennia-old history, is a treasure trove in this respect. To begin with, one very essential spice that every household consumes is turmeric. This magical spice is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Cinnamon, cumin, nutmeg, and cardamom also have a lot of medicinal properties.

When we think of wellness, it becomes absolutely important to mention that Indian food presents a balanced approach to diet. It emphasizes plant-based ingredients, whole grains, and a variety of proteins from legumes and dairy. People are also using food supplements these days for overall health and well-being. These supplements may not be able to replace a balanced diet, but they can certainly fill in the nutritional gaps and address specific health concerns.

          Healthy food choices do impact mental health. It cannot be denied that human beings have a physical and emotional relationship with food. Nutritional Psychiatry is a growing field of research that examines nutrition as a factor in the development and treatment of mental illness. After the COVID-19 epidemic, it has become even more discussed and heavily researched than ever before. It is important to pay attention to the food that we eat and their roles in maintaining healthy brain function.

Did you know that the choices you make in food affect your mood? Well, yes, they do. Consuming healthy food promotes the growth of good bacteria, which leads to increased neurotransmitter production, while consuming junk or processed food hampers the production. Choosing better food options makes one feel calmer and stay energetic all throughout the day, which in turn is important for our well-being both professionally and personally. Many of us will agree with the fact that they seek refuge in food as a form of coping when they are stressed or anxious. For instance, I generally resort to “Dark Chocolate” to brighten my mood when I am down or not feeling well physically. For me and many of us, it has surely helped in the short run, but feelings of guilt come in later. In this context, I would also like to discuss a little on food-on-the-go. Modern lifestyles often make us dependent on food that is easily available, which isn’t always a healthy choice and does nothing to promote our wellness.

What we eat every day is our “fuel”. Thus, food and diet have become a crucial part of the long-term concept of life and wellness. The sooner we realize this, the better it is! A balanced diet with food and drink is what we need.