Crime and Nourishment! The best takeaways to pair with TV genres, according to science
- A nutritionist reveals best takeaways to order, based on what you plan to watch
- Brits planning to delve into a comedy should opt for sushi
With Storm Ciaran set to bring rain to much of the UK this weekend, many Britons will be looking forward to cosying up on the sofa with a delicious takeaway.
But if you’re struggling to decide what to order, you’ll be relieved to hear that help is at hand.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson has teamed up with Freeview to reveal the best takeaways to order, depending on what you’re planning to watch.
His findings suggest that Brits planning to delve into a comedy should opt for sushi, while those watching a sci-fi blockbuster should order a Chinese takeaway.
‘Research has shown that certain nutrients can help to support your mood, so I have linked your favourite takeaway with the type of TV you’re watching so you can really amplify the viewing experience,’ Mr Hobson said.
Nutritionist Rob Hobson has teamed up with Freeview to reveal the best takeaways to order, depending on what you’re planning to watch
The best TV and takeaway pairings
Romance + Mexican
Comedy + Sushi
Crime + Indian
Drama + Italian
Sci-fi + Chinese
To create the pairings, Mr Hobson first examined the composition of five popular takeaway meals – Mexican, sushi, Indian, Italian, and Chinese.
He then identified which dishes best enhance the viewing experience of different types of TV shows.
His findings suggest that romances are best enjoyed with a spicy Mexican takeaway.
Previous studies have shown that the pain caused by eating spicy foods leads to the release of endorphins, which give a feeling of happiness and wellbeing.
Meanwhile, guacamole contains high levels of magnesium, which plays a key role in brain function and mood.
‘Watching TV is a multi-sensory experience in the same way as tucking into a good plate of food,’ Mr Hobson added.
If it’s a comedy you’re planning to watch this weekend, Mr Hobson suggests ordering a sushi feast.
With Storm Ciaran set to bring rain to much of the UK this weekend, many Britons will be looking forward to cosying up on the sofa with a delicious takeaway
READ MORE: Just Eat adds carbon ratings to its app to encourage customers to choose more environmentally friendly meals
Whether it’s a salmon maki roll, edamame beans, or beef tataki, Japanese food contains high levels of tryptophan and vitamin B6.
Studies have shown that these chemicals bump up your serotonin levels, helping to improve your mood and reduce stress as you enjoy your comedy.
Crime thrillers, meanwhile, are best enjoyed with an Indian takeaway, according to Mr Hobson.
Popular dishes such as lentil daal and Chicken Tikka Masala contain anti-inflammatory spices like ginger and fennel, while Aloo Gobi is packed full of potassium, which has been shown to lower your blood pressure – ideal while trying to stay calm during intense scenes!
Essential for any Indian takeaway, Mr Hobson also notes that plain rice is ‘easy to digest for anxious stomachs’.
If it’s pizza or pasta you’re craving, you should tune in to a drama.
Italian food contains high levels of omega 3 and antioxidants, helping to boost your focus during a drama, according to Mr Hobson.
Finally, sci-fi picks pair best with a Chinese takeaway, according to the expert.
Dishes such as sesame chicken, egg fried rice, and salt and pepper tofu are full of focus-boosting omega 3, choline for memory and concentration, and vitamin B for brain health, helping to ensure you don’t lose track of a tricky plot.
Mr Hobson’s suggestions come as Freeview revealed that the average Brit spends 15 minutes deliberating which takeaway to order.
The survey of 2,000 people also found that the average person spends 12 minutes choosing what to watch next on TV, every day.
‘What’s more, with 43% reporting that choosing takeaways has caused arguments, it’s clear the nation finds it difficult to make quick decisions when it comes to cosy nights in,’ Freeview said.
Freeview is now launching a competition that will see two winners awarded a £150 Deliveroo voucher to share with a friend.
The competition is running until Thursday 9 December, and you can enter here.
WHAT ARE THE VIDEO STREAMING OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO UK CUSTOMERS?
Netflix
Price: £4.99 a month (with ads) OR £10.99/month for Standard OR £17.99/month for Premium
Hit shows:
- Bridgerton
- Squid Game
Amazon Prime
Price: £8.99 per month OR £95 per year
Hit shows:
- Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan
- The Boys
Apple TV+
Price: £6.99 a month
Hit shows:
- Ted Lasso
- For All Mankind
Disney+
Price: £4.99 a month (with ads) OR £7.99/month for Standard OR £10.99/month for Premium
Hit shows:
- The Mandalorian
- The Simpsons
NOW TV
Price: From £6.99 a month (6 month) or £9.99 (flexible)
Hit shows:
- Game of Thrones
- Chernobyl
hayu
Price: £4.99 a month
Hit shows:
- Keeping up with the Kardashians
- Made in Chelsea
BritBox
Price: £5.99 a month OR £59.99 a year
Hit shows:
- Spitting Image
- Midsomer Murders
Prices correct as of September 2023
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