Looks like a good news for those passionate about trying out unusual dishes as a new study found that these adventurous eaters considered being "foodies" are healthier and can weigh less.
According to researchers from the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University those who are considered to be "foodies" can actually weigh less as compared to those who are less adventurous in their eating habits.
Food lovers are often associated with over-indulgence; adventurous eaters on the other hand are often referred to as foodies.
The study was conducted on just over 500 women from across the United States about their eating habits, weight satisfaction, eating habits, perception of novel foods, along with several physical, psychological and lifestyle characteristics.
Researchers discovered that participants who had tried eating a wider variety of foods including rabbit, seitan, polenta, beef tongue and kimchi, consider themselves as healthier eaters, more careful about the health benefits of the food they eat as compared to less adventurous eaters and more physically active.
Moreover, the study findings also showed that these eaters, which the researchers tagged as "food neophiles," also had lower BMI ratings and better appreciation for cooking, according to records on TechTimes.
Study co-author Brian Wansink said in a statement, "these findings are important to dieters because they show that promoting adventurous eating may provide a way for people - especially women - to lose or maintain weight without feeling restricted by a strict diet."
Lauren Graf, clinical dietitian for the Cardiac Wellness Program at Montefiore Health System in New York City, said she often counsels her patients to try new, more diverse foods in order to help them develop healthier habits.
"Branching out past your comfort zone encourages you to develop a taste for foods that are likely healthier and more nutrient-rich, "Graf told CBS News.
You are also less likely to get bored with meals or feel deprived," she added.
The study also found that foodies were also more likely to cook to connect to their heritage and also have more friends over for dinner.
The authors noted that the research suggests a little adventure when it comes to eating couldn't hurt.
Instead of sticking with the same boring salad, start by adding something new," Graf said. "It could kick start a more novel, fun, and healthy life of food adventure."
The study was published in the journal Obesity.
