Enjoying Food As Medicine
- Elizabeth Bradley, MS
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
The focus on nutrition optimization and efficiency often overshadows the importance of enjoying food and socializing during meals. While biohacking and nutrient-optimized products receive vast attention, research consistently shows that the social, emotional, and sensory aspects of eating are crucial for human health and well-being, sometimes even outweighing the benefits of "perfect" eating. The “how” is just as important as the “what”.
Eating is much more than merely feeding ourselves or our family; it is an experience that encompasses pleasure, culture, and human connection. Enjoying meals, savoring flavors, and engaging all senses during eating offer physiological benefits, such as improved digestion, better nutrient absorption, and enhanced signals of fullness. When people take their time with meals, the body responds with positive hormonal changes, such as increased levels of serotonin and oxytocin, which calm the digestive process and promote relaxation. We are meant to switch to "rest and digest" mode, but fast-paced meals have kept us in "flight and flight". Prioritizing efficiency over enjoyment can harm digestion and undermine the very benefits we seek from "ideal" eating habits.
One of the most significant health benefits observed in Mediterranean cultures is the tradition of eating together as families and communities. Sharing meals fosters connection, belonging, and emotional nourishment. But we've dissected community eating into its constituent nutrients and packaged them to meet our most basic needs. No wonder so many people are mentally and emotionally exhausted. They're just fulfilling the basics.
Yet, studies have shown that food tastes better when consumed in the company of others, as the social environment enhances both perception and satisfaction. The benefits go beyond taste, as shown in a study involving firefighters, which revealed that teams who ate together performed significantly better in high-pressure situations than those who ate separately, indicating that communal eating strengthens teamwork and resilience.
Despite ongoing research into "optimal diets" and advanced nutritional strategies, the most crucial element remains the human aspect of eating. Sharing meals with loved ones and bonding over food create sustainable, healthy habits. These positive environments stimulate the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which enhance mood and contribute to improved digestion and overall health. No perfect meal plan can rival the benefits generated from these shared experiences.
Eating slowly and mindfully allows the body time to signal fullness, improve digestion, and enhance both physiological and psychological well-being. Consistently rushed or isolated meals can result in poor digestion, unhealthy eating habits, and social disconnection. You may think you're being efficient, but learning to enjoy the food you're eating and the company you're keeping is critical to your overall health.
Some action items to try for the next couple of months can include:
Set a regular family dinner time - Choose at least a few evenings per week when everyone eats together without distractions.
Host or attend shared meals - Organize potlucks, brunches, or community dinners once a month to reconnect socially through food.
Set a minimum time at the table - Slow down and chew thoroughly.
Find pleasure in the food - Focus on your chewing, the smell of the food, the colors, or any other senses you can use.
Celebrate cultural or seasonal dishes - Crack open that old cookbook and make a family recipe with loved ones.
Further Resources & Reading: