Why Cooking is Life-Changing: 8 Powerful Facts

The Joy of Cooking: 8 Powerful Facts It Can Transform Your Life

The holiday season is here a time for love, laughter, and the joy of cooking! At Meet the Vegans, we believe the kitchen is more than just a place to prepare meals; it’s a space where you can create meaningful connections, explore culture, nourish your body, and make memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re embarking on your first plant-based recipe or are already a seasoned pro, cooking offers an incredible opportunity to grow, connect, and thrive.

This December, we’re celebrating the magic of cooking. Skip the take-out, explore vibrant seasonal produce, and dive into the transformative power of home-cooked meals. The best meals are made with love and intention and there’s no better place to start than your own kitchen!

Here are 8 Powerful Facts to reignite your love for cooking and help you celebrate food the Meet the Vegans way:

1. Cooking is Part of Human History

Cooking is as old as humanity itself, with evidence showing that humans have been preparing food for nearly 2 million years. According to research published in Science, the act of cooking played a pivotal role in human evolution, making food more digestible and increasing energy availability to support larger brains (Wrangham et al., 1999). The first known oven, dating back to 29,000 B.C., highlights just how deeply rooted this tradition is in our culture.

If you’re feeling nervous about getting started, remember: cooking is in our DNA!

Learn more about the history of cooking and its impact on our evolution on Dr. Greger’s Nutrition Facts blog.

2. Mindful Eating Starts in the Kitchen

Cooking your own meals is a powerful tool for mindfulness. When you’re in charge of every ingredient and portion, you naturally become more connected to the food you eat. According to a study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, those who cook at home tend to consume healthier, more nutrient-dense meals, including more fruits and vegetables, compared to those who frequently eat out.

Zoe’s blog on mindful eating offers excellent tips to get started with this practice: Mindful Eating for a Healthier You.

Recipes to try:

Puttanesca

Shakshuka

3. Cooking is Proven Stress Relief

Did you know that cooking and baking are scientifically proven to reduce stress? Studies have shown that creative activities like cooking are linked to improved mental health and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression. The rhythmic nature of chopping vegetables, stirring sauces, or kneading dough is calming and meditative.

Learn more about the stress-relieving benefits of cooking in this insightful article by Zoe.

Cooking Courses To Try:

Raw Cheesecake

Cooking For Kids

4. Plating Changes Everything

Here’s a surprising fact: the plate you use can actually change the way your food tastes. Research published in Flavour found that white, round plates enhance sweet flavors, while black or angular plates highlight savory notes. Even the color red can subtly impact appetite by reducing the amount diners consume (Spence et al., 2012).

Read more about the science behind plating and flavors on Zoe’s blog: The Psychology of Food Presentation.

5. The Food World is Full of Surprises

Did you know that bananas are berries, but strawberries aren’t? This quirky fact reminds us that there’s always something new to learn about the food we eat. Exploring ingredients, experimenting with textures, and uncovering unexpected culinary truths are part of what makes cooking so exciting.

Check out Zoe’s article on food myths for more surprising facts about your favorite ingredients.

Explore the world of plantbased cheese with Miyoko Schinner

6. Salt: A Universal Flavor Enhancer

Salt isn’t just seasoning; it’s a powerful tool that enhances the natural flavors of your dishes. According to the Journal of Food Science, salt improves the “sensory properties” of almost every food. To reduce your salt intake without sacrificing flavor, try cutting back gradually while exploring alternative seasonings like smoked paprika, fresh herbs, or nutritional yeast.

Zoe’s blog dives into practical ways to reduce salt while still enjoying your meals: Low-Sodium Cooking Tips.

7. Cooling Down Your Food? Skip the Stirring

Here’s a fun tip: if you’re cooling a hot drink or soup, blowing gently or lifting small portions with a spoon is more effective than stirring. Stirring creates kinetic energy, which actually raises the temperature slightly. Remember this trick when enjoying our recipes for warming plant-based soups or hot drinks like our cozy Masala Chai!

Find more interesting food science facts on Dr. Greger’s blog.

8. Cooking Brings People Together

Cooking is one of the oldest forms of altruism. Sharing a meal—whether during a celebration, crisis, or family gathering—builds bonds and fosters connection. A study in the Journal of Food and Nutrition Research found that shared meals increase feelings of togetherness and cooperation.

At Meet the Vegans, we believe every meal is an opportunity to show love. Whether it’s preparing a comforting stew for a friend or hosting a plant-based dinner party, cooking is an act of care for both yourself and others.

Learn more about the role of food in social connection from Zoe’s article on family meals.