Main content

17/12/2013

Why rituals like blowing out candles on a birthday cake or carving a turkey at the table can improve the taste of food. Does it work for all foods? Claudia Hammond investigates.

Why rituals like blowing out candles on a birthday cake table before eating it can improve the taste. Claudia Hammond talks to Michael Norton from Harvard University about his new research on the powerful effect of rituals on food and how it can work for chocolate and even carrots. Why people with an extraordinary ability to remember every details of their life and the events going on years ago are still susceptible to false memories. What does this reveal about how our memories work? More on the All in the Mind 25th anniversary mental health awards with awards judge, Marion Janner. What are the rules for people on medication for a mental health condition who want to give blood? Claudia talks to Jennie Naylor from NHS blood and transplant. Also in the programme why a meaningful life might not be a happy one and Claudia is joined by cognitive neuroscientist and blogger, Christian Jarrett to bust the myths about the differences between male and female brains.

Available now

28 minutes

Last on

Wed 18 Dec 2013 15:30

Chapters

  • Food Rituals

    Do rituals make food taste better?

    Duration: 08:37

  • Super Autobiographical Memory

    People with memories like diaries are still prone to false memories.

    Duration: 02:20

  • Mental Health Awards - judge, Marion Janner

    Marion Janner one of the judges, discusses the mental health awards.

    Duration: 06:05

  • Donating Blood While on Medication for a Mental Health Condition

    Can you donate blood while on medication for bipolar or depression?

    Duration: 03:11

  • Is a Meaningful Life a Happy One?

    Why having a meaningful life might not make you happy.

    Duration: 02:48

  • Are the Differences Between Male and Female Brains Overplayed?

    Some call it neurosexism. Have differences between male and female brains been overplayed?

    Duration: 03:52

Broadcasts

  • Tue 17 Dec 2013 21:00
  • Wed 18 Dec 2013 15:30

The All in the Mind Awards 2025

The All in the Mind Awards 2025

Find full details and how to submit nominations for the Awards.

How to Manage Your Worries

How to Manage Your Worries

A quick and easy guide on how to cope with the things you worry about.

Podcast