Why do we care so much about food? Why is it so important for us to pick healthy items when grocery shopping? Firstly, food is one of the most basic human needs as we all get hungry. As the famous author Virgina Wolfe once said, “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” It correctly shows how important food is in our lives. There are many ways how food has impacted our lives. Here are some ways, how food to bring people together:
Builds Meaningful Connections: Food, security and love are so intertwined that we cannot talk about one without having the other. For thousands of years, the art of eating and dining has been emphasised and redefined. The pottery edgings of ancient Greek men reclining on one side to eat, drink and philosophize at a symposium shows that not only food shared while eating but also ideas and stories. As social animals, it is important for you to nourish ourselves through communicating new ideas and stories as much as it is to keep our bellies full.
As we know that communications are getting more and more superficial in the digital world, in order to forge and nurture meaningful relationships, we need to fall back on our roots. Yes, food can be the tool for social perils that we all are seeking to change. We also crave for conversations that are much more about merely keeping in touch. Eating with others have physiological, social and biological benefits at the same time. It creates a sense of rhythm and regularity, a chance to reflect on the day, and share our thoughts. This exercise builds a deep connection inadvertently. A well-balanced meal with the people we love reinvigorates our energy and boost mental stability. The relation seems complex but it is surely something we should take care of.
Inclusiveness- Food touches people irrespective of caste, creed and social status. For an inclusive society- social inequalities like poverty, unemployment can be eradicated with the help of food. There are many home delivery services that are employing thousands of employees today. Thus, food is providing dignity, opportunity and well-being to the mass. Culinary education can improve the quality of life and opportunities for all sections of society.
Comfort- The close connection of food and mood originates from the close relationship between brain and gastrointestinal tract, also referred as “second brain”. Here the tract contains billions of bacteria that influences the production of neurotransmitters, chemical substances that constantly carry messages from the gut to the brain. When we eat healthy, drink healthy juice it promotes the growth of good bacteria, positively influences the neurotransmitters, thus uplifting our mood. Have you ever wondered how after a long stressful day you get instantly energized after eating a hot rice bowl. Now you have your answer. A full belly solves many problems in our lives. The right food also has the power to act as a medicine for you. You can improve your mental health by following a healthy diet and maintaining a conscious lifestyle.
Thus, food has had an irreplaceable contribution in our lives. It is an element that has the power to change us physiologically, physically and even spiritually. Thus, we should be extremely conscious of the food we consume on a regular basis.