Using MRI technology, brain researchers may have found why fatty foods such as ice cream, french fries, twinkies etc, seem to comfort us when we are feeling down. Fats appear to decrease brain activity in the areas associated with sadness. Participants were infused with either saline or fatty acids. The saline produced no change in sadness ratings or brain activity, while fatty acids did.
PositiveTip: Eating fatty foods may feel temporarily comforting but isn’t the best way to deal with emotions. Exercise can help lift our mood without packing on the pounds.