'Comfort food' still needs more research evidence to support

In the post-epidemic era, Chinese consumers' attention to their own health has risen to a new height, and healthy consumption is gradually infiltrating all aspects of life

"Comfort food" sales up by more than 30%

In the past 2020, in order to restrain emotions, seeking delicious food has become a natural thing

In 2020, consumers' renewed awareness of health will go down in history as an unexpected "side effect" of the new coronavirus

Data shows that 4 out of 10 U.

The need for stress management, emotional support, and sleep supplements reflects this must-have state

"Delicious food is known to have a soothing effect and is widely used," Diaz pointed out

Shafat believes that emotional foods and drinks are most valuable when their components are associated with calmness and relaxation

Diaz found a "resonance" between consumers' acceptance of mood foods and "growing awareness of self-care and healthy habits," which she said included everything from choosing organic to reducing sugar intake of all aspects

Shafat suggested another benefit of using food to improve mood

Forming regular consumption is the challenge for 'comfort food'

As for which mood-boosting ingredients play a role in food and beverage formulations, both Diaz and Shafat focused on botanicals

Diaz noted that sales of Affron, a medicinally active natural saffron extract, have been rising along with demand for sedatives

The extract's mechanism of action may rely on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help balance levels of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, while also combating oxidation in the brain caused by anxiety and stress stress

Probiotics have already set records in this field

"This is a big development," says Shafat, which offers consumers a scientifically proven way to manage daily stress by taking probiotics

As any food or beverage developer knows, "consumers love to drink and eat delicious things," says Shafat, "which has driven the industry to focus on how to combine these ingredients (many of which are bitter) with other flavorings, to develop delicious food and beverages

　　In addition, the attractiveness of the product and the compliance of consumers are all factors to be concerned about

　　Brands must also be cautious when making promises about their products
.
Diaz reiterated the importance of drawing the line between diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease
.
She encourages brands to back up any of their claims with rigorous scientific evidence
.

　　As research into improving emotional activity progresses, the evidence for this will only grow
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"New research on mood and relaxation is underway, providing more evidence for active ingredients
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This will lead to more acceptable formulations of mood food and beverages for industry and consumers ," Shafat said
.

　　(Source: Gut Industry)  

　　"China Food News" (03 edition on August 16, 2021)

(Editor-in-charge: Yuan Guofeng)