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Does comfort food really comfort us?

It’s something many of us intuitively believe, but it’s not always that simple.

It’s something many of us intuitively believe - certain foods have the power to make us feel better. But what’s the science behind this, why do we crave certain dishes, and do they provide solace for everyone?

Graihagh Jackson explores what’s really happening when we turn to food for a pick-me-up: psychologist Shira Gabriel explains these foods’ links to memory and social connection; and psychiatrist Lukas Van Oudenhove reveals why so many comfort foods are high in fat or carbohydrates, and how this could be problematic in the long run.

But comfort foods aren’t always comforting - we find out why an unhappy childhood can mean they provide little or no solace. And the concept is far from universal - food writer Jenny Linford says in some food cultures the idea is irrelevant.

Plus, of all the millions of dishes out there, why do some rise to comfort food status? Food writer Kay Plunkett-Hogge explains why rice is the ultimate comfort food for many Thais.

Producer: Simon Tulett
Studio Manager: Hal Haines

Let us know what you think about the show - email thefoodchain@bbc.co.uk

(Picture: A man hugging a giant ice cream. Credit: Getty Images/´óÏó´«Ã½)

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Mon 27 Jul 2020 00:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 23 Jul 2020 10:32GMT
  • Thu 23 Jul 2020 15:32GMT
  • Thu 23 Jul 2020 21:32GMT
  • Thu 23 Jul 2020 22:32GMT
  • Sun 26 Jul 2020 07:32GMT
  • Mon 27 Jul 2020 00:32GMT

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