Effects of Soup Intake for Fourteen Days on the Mood and the Difference in Cortisol of Awakening and Evening in the Clerical Employees: An Effectiveness Study Trial

Abstract

In this study, an investigation based on an effectiveness study trial without special limitations was carried out regarding how 14 days’ continuous soup intake would change the mood of the participants and their salivary cortisol levels between awakening and evening. The participants consisted of 16 healthy workers who agreed to participate in the experiment. The participants led their normal daily lives without consuming soup for the first 14 days (controlled condition), and then consumed their chosen soup once a day, at approximately 3 p.m., for the next 14 days (soup condition). Their salivary cortisol levels were measured when they woke up in the morning (awakening) and at 5 p.m. on the last day of each condition, while their mood was evaluated by questionnaire at 5 p.m. every day. The irritation-anger score of the soup condition was significantly lower than that of the controlled condition, and the difference in the salivary cortisol level between awakening and evening in the soup condition was significantly higher compared with the controlled condition. As a result, this study suggests that continuous soup intake under conditions of free choice in the afternoon at the workplace may be effective in relieving stress of worker’s body and mind.