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Comfort food is called so for a reason. While past studies showed it has some psychological benefits, a new study says otherwise.

A recent study highlighted the detrimental effects of fatty foods during stress. Young adults were given high-fat butter croissants or low-fat breakfasts before a stress simulation involving mental math tasks. Researchers found that high-fat intake led to a 1.7% reduction in cardiovascular function, impacting artery elasticity for 90 minutes after stress. Brain oxygen flow decreased by 39%, affecting mood negatively. Conversely, low-fat meals caused a 1.2% drop in cardiovascular function during stress, recovering within 90 minutes.

These findings underscored the importance of avoiding fatty foods, particularly in stressful situations and opting for healthier options to mitigate stress's impact, especially for those susceptible to cardiovascular issues.

What to eat instead

In a press release, Nutritional Sciences Assistant Professor Dr. Catarina Rendeiro explained that food choices during moments of stress could either result in stress being aggravated or reduced. Food choices made during this time could essentially train a person's response to stress. So, by picking low-fat foods, people could cope with the stress more effectively. 

For a while now researchers have been looking into the effects of dietary changes on a person's stress response. Optimal stress-relief foods include whole grains, omega-3-rich fish, nuts, and raw veggies. Additionally, polyphenol-rich fruits like berries aid in preventing cardiovascular impairment. Some experts recommend going for a Mediterranean diet, which is helpful for overall health, including stress relief. Recent studies even say that it is good for mental health, especially for those who have post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD.