Many people are unaware that our mood can be affected by many things including food. It is a well known fact that a diet that contains very low levels of sugar, low minerals and vitamins (nutrients in general) lead to moodiness, lack of energy and ultimately it can lead to psychological problems like depression. If you are looking for food that can make you happier, more satisfied and healthy at the same time we suggest you try some of these 15 foods.
Bananas are the favorite option for many people when they look for fruit. They contain minerals like zinc, potassium and magnesium, which have proven beneficial effect when it comes to dealing with stress, insomnia and even depression. Bananas also contain carbohydrates and tryptophan, a less known amino acid that stimulated the brain to increase the production of serotonin – a hormone known as the “happy hormone”.
While we are talking about tryptophan, it’s good to mention that turkey is another food that can help when it comes to increased levels of production of this hormone. Besides serotonin, tryptophan also stimulates the creation of melatonin hormone which is very useful for sleep regulation. Tyrosine is another amino acid that can be found in turkey and this amino acid has positive effects on people who are suffering from depression.
Pulses are a great source of many useful substances – proteins, folate, iron, soluble fibre and much more. All these substances can improve your mood. On top of that, pulses don’t release their effect abruptly – they work slowly keeping your mood stable too.
Food that contains selenium in small amounts can help people fight symptoms of depression and avoid negative mood in general (feeling of anxiety, aggression and stress). Seafood is a great source of selenium especially shrimps and prawns.
Seafood is not the only source of selenium so if you are not a big fan of seafood you can always try oats. Oats work slowly but steadily so you can expect continuous positive mood.
You have probably heard how useful omega 3 fatty acids are for many things and according to many experts they can be helpful as mood-boosters too. Absence of omega 3 fatty acids in our diet can lead to depression and mood swing. One of the best sources of omega 3 fatty acids is oily fish (salmon and sardines).
Oysters contain a lot of healthy substances including zinc. Zinc is a mineral that can boost your energy and improve your brain health. They also contain tyrosine, an amino acid that can help mood balancing.
Blackberries are another fruit that can improve your mood. They contain vitamins, soluble fibre, folic acid, antioxidants and few other things that eliminate the signs of depression.
Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, soluble fibre and antioxidants and besides being helpful for your skin and appearance, these potatoes can preserve your energy by regulating blood sugar levels.
Sunflower seeds increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. They contain high amounts of soluble fibre, essential omega 3 and 6 fats, vitamin E and folic acid.
Among other healthy substances, buckwheat contains B vitaimins. These vitamins are natural energy boosters. In addition, buckwheat is rich in tryptophan an amino acid that stimulates the production of serotonin. Buckwheat can be used in many meals so try some of the recipes you can find online.
Spinach is rich in magnesium and soluble fibre, substances that can improve your physical and mental health. A combination of stir-fried spinach and chilies will instantly make you feel better.
Don’t forget the eggs! Eggs contain proteins, selenium and omega 3 fats as well as vitamin D. Vitamin D is called “sunshine vitamin” for a reason. Egg yolks have cholin and tryptophan in them, acids which improve brain health.
Finally, don’t hesitate to eat chocolate once in a while. Chocolate stimulates endorphin production, but remember that you should take a maximum of 2 squares of chocolate per day.
Sharon Callix
Award Winning Social Media Consultant
www.makingmoneyusingsocialmedia.com
Platinum Expert Author EzineArticles
