Blue Monday is the name given to a day in January (typically the third Monday of the month) which people claim is the most depressing day of the year.
What is the secret to facing the saddest day of the year? A good plate of pasta! Pasta is not only the queen of the table and a gratifying and convivial experience to delight the palate and the heart, but also a food that stimulates the release of endorphins, also known as “hormones of happiness”. This is supported by several experts and scientific studies explaining the underlying brain mechanisms of pleasure and how eating an excellent bowl of spaghetti with tomato sauce or a delicious carbonara can help us reach a state of psycho-physical well-being.
Pasta is a good choice because:
It is a natural stress reliever – Consuming carbohydrates in the evening, especially if they are rich in fiber, helps lower your blood level of cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone”. Goodbye stress eating!
It combats insomnia – Complex carbohydrates, such as pasta, ensure a sufficient supply of tryptophan, which is the precursor of serotonin, the “relaxing hormone”. Nothing better than a good bowl of spaghetti at dinner for a good night’s sleep!
It improves your mood – The consumption of cereals improves your intestinal wellness with positive results on your state of mind. Moreover, in women, carbohydrates help to regulate swelling and mood swings related to premenstrual syndrome.
