Ah, comfort food: the foods that not only nourish our bodies, but also our souls.

Depending on your culture and background, the term "comfort food" may imply different meaning to you. According to the research at the University of Illinois, age and gender may also influence one's selection of comfort foods. For example, young adults tend to favour sweeter items, like desserts, while older subjects studied were shown to generally prefer savoury and heartier foods, like soup, pizza and pasta. Women are also notoriously inclined towards sugary treats, with ice cream, cookies and chocolate being among the top choices. No matter what they are, these foods have the commonality of carrying with them positive associations – in other words, they make you feel good. Whether by evoking pleasant memories from your childhood or symbolizing a decadent reward, comfort foods are those we turn to most in our times of need.

But why do we turn to comfort food? Webster's Dictionary defines comfort food as "food that gives a sense of emotional wellbeing," or "any food or drink that one turns to for temporary relief, security or reward." In short, by indulging in our favourite comfort foods, we may be, in a way, selfmedicating. Depressed about a break-up? No need to get a pill from the doctor, just look in the fridge... aha, leftover macaroni and cheese! It's no mystery why most of the popular comfort foods are commonly categorized as unhealthy; they are often loaded with carbohydrates, sugar and fat.

Although carbohydrates and sugar are essential forms of energy, they are often associated with naughty foods (think donuts and pastries) that have the capacity to derail any dieter. The reason people reach for such doughy delights when craving comfort is also scientific. A general consensus in the scientific community is that consuming high levels of sugar and carbohydrates triggers a reaction in your body that produces the mood adjusting neurotransmitter serotonin. Endorphins, which are neuro-chemical compounds that communicate good feelings of well-being to your brain, are also associated with the carbs and sugar in comfort foods. The high fat content in many comfort foods is also to blame for what makes them so gratifying. Fat fills up the stomach and provides the body with feelings of fullness and satisfaction. Digesting them also requires energy, which could contribute to the tranquility and tiredness you may experience after hearty meals (like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner).

Whether you're partial to pizza or inclined to ice cream, the most important health factor is your relationship with the food. Indulging may provide you with a temporary feeling of contentment, but relying on food alone to soothe your spirit is a dangerous route. So next time you reach for that third helping of apple pie, consider first what emptiness you're trying to fill... and make sure it's only your stomach!