Comfort food to lift your mood

1. Orange Chicken Wings

 

Just looking at this tangy sweet-sour dish can make you feel bright and sunny. The best part is the orange-glazed golden brown chicken isn't just nice to look at; it's also effective in fighting stress. 

 

Nutritionist and dietitian Alice De Guzman explained that oranges contain phytochemicals as well as bioflavonoid compounds, which aid in fighting certain illnesses, like cancer.

 

"Orange is very soothing, so sometimes if you have a cold and cough, we usually take orange," she added. 

 

Eating chicken also has its benefits, the nutritionist said. "Chicken is also prescribed for those who are dieting. Since it's protein, its main function is to repair and of course, (it has) bodybuilding properties," she said.

 

2. Coffee Champorado

 

Coffee gives this breakfast classic a fresh twist. 

 

De Guzman explained that because coffee contains caffeine which is actually a stimulant, it has anti-depression properties. 

 

"Normally people take this as an upper, to perk us up," she said. 

 

3. Crispy Onion Rings with Chili

 

Onion rings may not count as a filling meal, but with a dash of chili, it becomes a great dish to boost your mood.

 

De Guzman explained that chili or hot peppers just like the onions and garlic are a good source of flavonoids, which are found to be anti-inflammatory. "It also has anti-cancer properties, and aids in lowering the cholesterol level of the person," she added.

 

With dishes like these, you can nourish your body and your spirit, too. –Carmela G. Lapeña/KG, GMA News