The psychological benefits of food

• Athavi Nishaanthan
• October 07, 2025
• Newsletter Article

Discover how food impacts more than just physical health—it plays a vital role in mental well-being too. As harvest season ramps up, explore the connection between nutrition, mood, and meaningful careers in agriculture and food industries.

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As we begin to ease into October, many of us welcome the season with open arms. Happily enclosing ourselves in a ring of pumpkin spice as if to ward off the Fall’s crisp chill. For many, October is a time of comfort, coziness, and calm. For many workers in the agriculture and food industries, October is, instead, peak harvest season and a mountain of tasks that they are forced to scale. A busy time that can lead to exhaustion. 

 

As the busyness of the season closes in and with World Mental Health Day last week, now is the perfect time to reflect and ensure our needs are met. Over the years, conversations about mental health have increased, and with that, so have tips and tricks for relaxation and self-care. And while these advances are incredible, it can be easy to forget about the basics. 

 

According to Abraham Maslow, an American psychologist known for his Hierarchy of Needs, everyone strives to reach self-actualization, a state where one experiences one’s full potential. In order to reach this stage, all others must be met, starting with physiological needs. These needs, also known as basic needs, are essential for survival. It consists of water, shelter, air, and, of course, food. Without all these needs met, one can not progress further. Although meeting these needs may feel like common sense, it is easy and common to overlook the weight each holds - especially regarding food. 

 

Food is a powerful source that affects various areas of life. I am sure we all can remember sitting at the dinner table with a bowl of steaming vegetables staring back at us with our parents saying, “you have to eat them to grow big and strong”. As kids, most of us simply looked at food as something to improve our physical appearance and capabilities. However, research has found that  there is a bidirectional relationship between food and mood; the food we eat can affect our mood, and even help manage stress. Studies have found a connection between low levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids and mental illness, including risk of suicide. Additionally, high consumption of fruits and vegetables have been correlated to better mood due to the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with elevated mood, some foods contain. 

 

Overall, mental health is a complex topic. However, methods to improve mental health do not have to be. It can be daunting to start your mental health and self-care journey. With information and treatment methods constantly evolving, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. And while self-care is not just one linear path, you can not go wrong with focusing on the basics - the physiological, basic needs that are the foundation of Maslow’s hierarchy. 

 

The essential agricultural and food industries fulfil basic human needs, but also provide rewarding careers. Find your place at www.AgCareers.com.