We are what we eat, and that also applies to our mood, so it is possible that you are sabotaging your happiness with what you eat.
If you still have doubts, think about how you feel after having a turkey dinner or after several cups of coffee. You may have noticed that the first one slows your brain to a stop, while the other one cheers you up. Although perhaps these examples are somewhat extreme, here are some foods specifically to improve your mood and speed up your brain. Keep reading to learn more.
Egg White Omelette
Prevention magazine suggests this healthy breakfast paired with low-fat cheese and spinach for its high protein content. According to the magazine, they have a protein that fights SAD (seasonal affective disorder). This disorder affects many people due to the cooler temperatures and shorter days.
The suggestion is part of a high protein diet that is an excellent alternative for the season. While a high-carb diet can be effective in curbing SAD, it’s not the right path to take in all cases.
Salmon
Depression and low mood have been linked to a lack of certain nutrients, which salmon in a vinaigrette salad can provide. Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids that can improve happiness levels, especially in children. Although there are additional health benefits from vegetables, they do not need to accompany salmon.
This fish alone contains a positive effect on the brain and helps you stay alert, as well as being very good for the heart.
Chocolate
But we don’t mean sugar-laden milk chocolate, but plain chocolate without all the additives. According to Best Health magazine, raw chocolate not only makes you smile because it’s delicious, but also because of the chemicals it contains. The so-called phenylethylamine, anandamide and theobromine, which he says are stimulants.
According to the magazine, chocolate can give you the same jolt as coffee, without the negative side effects.
Milk
Surely many of us stopped drinking milk many years ago, but there is evidence to suggest that it may be a good time to return to it. One study mentions that milk ingredients can increase serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that affects our mood.
Milk also helps promote restful sleep, this is because milk contains tryptophan, the same substance found in turkey. However, the effect of milk on sleep is much stronger when combined with foods rich in carbohydrates (cookies).
Bananas
Bananas _ high levels of tryptophan, which the body transforms into serotonin that naturally elevates our perspective on things. Perhaps this is the reason why monkeys are always in a good mood.
The BBC notes that bananas gradually release sugars that generate a longer brain boost, unlike caffeine and sweets.
Brazil Nuts
These particular nuts are rich in selenium. In fact, they have 2,500 times more selenium than any other nut. According to Best Health, selenium is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to improve mood and cognitive performance. Eating just one of these nuts a day is more than enough to get the positive benefits.
Coconuts
Coconut is a pretty good fruit, even just smelling it can dull the “fight or flight” response in your brain that can trigger anxiety while also slowing your heart rate. A Columbia University study revealed that inhaling the aroma of coconut helps blood pressure return to normal faster after a stressful event.
In fact, coconut oil is a natural fat that cures bad moods, according to the online forum All Women’s Talk. One participant reported taking three tablespoons of coconut oil a day and “I’ve never felt better in my life.”
What is your favorite food to get to improve your mood? Let us know in the comments below.
