Mood Foods

A

It is every marketer's dream. To take a product which people like, but feel they shouldn't consume too much of, and to present it as something which is beneficial to your health. `Mental Balance Chocolate Gaba' is one such product; chocolate which actually does you good. (Research has shown that Gaba, an acid naturally found in chocolate, can reduce anxiety and help people to feel less stressed. It is already on sale in Japan and demand is growing rapidly.

B

Gaba is just one in a family of products called `mood foods' which are currently being promoted by the food industry. In the UK, sales of healthy or lifestyle food are worth over ₤1 billion a year. In the past, however, companies have promoted the physical benefits of certain ingredients: such as strengthening your bones or reducing the risk of cancer. With this new range, the focus is much more on food that will help you to change your mood or emotional state.

C

Omega-3 is another example. It is claimed that it both boosts mental development and promotes good behaviour. It's no wonder that parents are trying to get it into their children as fast as possible. Traditionally it has been found in dairy products, like milk and yoghurt, but marketers saw the opportunity to satisfy both parents' and children's requirements and now it can be found in cakes and sweets too.

D

The success of these products has prompted companies to look for similar products, but food experts say we need to be a little cautious. `The problem is,' says Dr Campbell of the Food Advice Bureau, `people feel that by occasionally consuming one or two of these products, they can reap all the benefits. What they don't realise – and what the companies don't bother to tell them – is that everything that you eat is important.'

• Look at the statements below and the article on 'Mood Foods' above.
• Which paragraph (A, B, C or D) does each statement refer to? (You will need to use some of the letters more than once.)

1 Companies don't try to educate people about their whole diet.

2 A product that seems to be good for you and is also nice to eat is very easy to sell.

3 These new foods emphasizes mental rather than physical effects.

4 Its benefits are to make you feel less worried.

5 Specialists think people should be careful about the advantages of eating specific products.

6 Its benefits are that it stimulates your mind.

7 People spend a lot of money on foods that are good for them.