The Impact of Food on Health and Decision Making by Dr. Kiran Kakade & Dr. Priyanka Jawa

Food is the basic element of every living organism. Every living thing in this world requires food to survive and create energy for the body. But have you ever thought about the type of food you are eating? The quality and nutritional value of the food you consume play a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. If the food is not nutritious or healthy, it can increase harmful hormones in your body, leading to various diseases. In essence, food indirectly helps the human body to function properly.

When you eat healthy foods, especially those rich in nutrients, your body creates beneficial hormones. These hormones support physical health, enhance brain function, and improve decision-making abilities. Conversely, consuming unhealthy foods can lead to the production of detrimental hormones, which negatively affect your brain and body.

The type of food you eat significantly influences your mental and emotional state. For example, non-vegetarian food, which involves the killing of animals, can have a negative impact on your brain and body. Although it might be nutritious, it is derived from a highly conscious living being. This kind of food might provide nutrition, but it can also increase harmful hormones in your body, affecting your thought processes and decision-making abilities.

Some argue that plants are also living things, and consuming them could similarly increase harmful hormones. However, the level of consciousness in plants is significantly lower compared to animals. Therefore, plant-based foods are less likely to have the same negative impact on your hormones and mental state as animal meat.

Every human being needs to consume food in moderation to live healthily. However, in today’s world, many people eat not out of necessity but for taste. This shift in eating habits affects decision-making processes, ultimately impacting one’s future.

Four Quadrants of Food Impact:

1. Nutritious and Positive: Foods that are both nutritious and promote positive hormone production. Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
2. Nutritious and Negative: Foods that are nutritious but may promote negative hormone production due to their origin or processing. Examples include certain types of meat or heavily processed foods.
3. Non-Nutritious and Positive: Foods that might not be highly nutritious but do not significantly contribute to negative hormone production. Examples include some plant-based snacks or low-calorie treats.
4. Non-Nutritious and Negative: Foods that are neither nutritious nor beneficial for hormone production. Examples include junk food, sugary snacks, and heavily processed items.

In conclusion, the food you consume directly impacts your brain, body, and decision-making abilities. By choosing nutritious and health-promoting foods, you can enhance your mental clarity, make better decisions, and improve your overall future. Remember, eating should be about nourishing your body and mind, not just satisfying your taste buds.